Preface 1

Japanese Horse Racing 2

JRA Racing 3
Races 3
Betting 8
Customer Services 10
JRA Racecourses 12
JRA Training Centers 16
Other JRA-related Facilities 19

NAR Racing 21
Races 21
Betting 23
NAR Racing Education Center 23
Customer Services 24
Racecourses 25

Horse Racing-Related Activities 26

Breeding 26
Promotion of Equestrian Culture, livestock industry 28
Participation in International Racing Conference 29

References 31
A Brief History of Horse Racing in Japan 31
Outline of JRA Racing and Racing by Local Governments 33
Life Cycle of Racehorses 34
Horseracing Facilities and Breeding Areas 36
Facts and Figures 37
Main Achievements of Japan Trained Horses Abroad (GI Races) 44
Japan Association for International Racing Stud Book (JAIRS) 46
Directory 47
 odern horse racing in Japan had its beginnings in racing events that were organized by foreign residents of Yokohama
in 1862. In 1861, when Japan was about to move from the feudal system into the Meiji Restoration, foreign residents
living in Yokohama, predominantly British, introduced the first Western-style horse racing by establishing the Yokohama
Race Club to Japan. Western style horse racing was held in foreign enclaves, and hence, unfortunately, very little is
known or recorded about initial era in Japan’s modern horse racing history.

At about the same time that the name of the Japanese central city was changed from Edo to Tokyo, Western-style horse
racing began to be found in the major metropolitan cities across the country. In 1906, the government embarked on a
policy which tacitly allowed to bet. This led to the introduction of modern horse racing featuring sales of betting tickets in
Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and other metropolitan cities, from which most racing operations benefited.

However, this profitable system was short lived; two years later, the government prohibited betting and instituted a system
of paying direct subsidies for prize money and other horse racing expenses.

During this subsequent period of government-subsidized horse racing, prominent legislators, businessmen, as well as
breeders, began active efforts to introduce a horse racing law. Eventually the government began to take proactive position
to promote horse racing in order to expand breeding in Japan and to improve quality of the Japanese horses. In 1923,
horse racing legislation, so greatly desired by the horse racing industry, was enacted and led to the formation of 11 racing
clubs. Horse racing accompanied by the legal sale of betting tickets was thus established. Shortly thereafter, the Imperial
Racing Society was established as a horse racing authority of 11 racing clubs, and was responsible for the rules of racing,
which served as a model for the rules of the individual racing clubs. The Imperial Racing Society defined the registration
of racing colors, the education of trainers, and the licensing of jockeys, among other horse racing functions. The Horse
racing Law underwent a major revision in 1936, which saw the formation of the Japan Racing Society which legally
merged the 11 racing clubs and the Imperial Racing Society in their entirety, including their facilities and horse racing
functions.

This reform brought favorable account on horse racing in Japan, constituting the Japanese Derby as well as other classic
races, along with a complete change and improvement in racing itself. There were also dramatic increases in the turnover
as well as attendance, marking the birth of modern horse racing in Japan as it exists today. In 1941, Saint Lite became the
first Triple Crown winner in Japan.

However, during the latter part of World War II, the racecourses were forced to suspend operations and the most historic
of the modern racecourses, Yokohama, was commanded by the government for military use.

The termination of hostilities saw an immediate resumption of horse racing, when in 1946, Tokyo and Kyoto began
holding race meetings. Also, 1947 brought a new type of betting “quinella” for the first time in Japan. In 1948, a new
Horse racing Law was introduced, whereby the Japan Racing Society was abolished and under the new law, the
government (the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry) took total control of horse racing. Although this “government horse
racing” continued much the same as before, the turnover did not increase throughout this extremely difficult period. In
1954, the Horse racing Law was amended again, to enact the Japan Racing Association Law. This established the Japan
Racing Association, or as it is now known as JRA, which took over the entire horse racing functions and operations of
government horse racing. These laws not only provided for “national racing” in Japan, but also for the legalization and
operation of “regional public racing” as a separate system to that of national racing.

1 |

orse racing in Japan is characterized by fair racing
which is held with integrity in a systematic, orderly
manner as prescribed by the Horse racing Law of Japan. All
authorized racing in Japan, by law, must be conducted by the
Japan Racing Association (JRA) (a public enterprise
established by the national government) and local
government entities.
Furthermore, the law does not permit wagering to be
conducted by anyone other than racing authorities and racing
authorities must offer all wagers under a pari-mutuel formula.
Japan has to rank among countries around the world as one
in which thoroughbred horse racing is the most popular.
Totally, Japan held 1,568 race meetings in 2019, with 16,571
flat and jump races. The betting turnover is number one
worldwide, with total flat and jump purses that rank first in
the world. Globally, Japan also breeds the fourth highest
number of Thoroughbreds.
JRA Racing (operated by the Japan
Racing Association)
RA was established in 1954 by the enactment of the Japan
Racing Association Law to take over horse racing that had
been operated by the national government. JRA operates
under the oversight of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries.
The main office of JRA which is located in Tokyo, acts as
the nerve center for the nationwide network of 10
racecourses, the 41 off-course betting facilities called
“WINS” and other JRA related entities, and engages in
activities concerning the direct or indirect development and
operation of national horse racing.
JRA is required to provide 10% of its gross betting turnover
to the national treasury, as well as 50% of any surplus profits
remaining at the end of the fiscal year. In fiscal 2019, JRA
paid approximately ¥319 billion into the National Treasury,
use of which is specified by law: three-quarters must be
designated for improvement of livestock breeding and the
remaining one-quarter for public or social welfare. JRA also
contributes to horse breeding, as well as the propagation and
promotion of other types of livestock programs. JRA also
provides for the promotion of equestrian culture, thereby
2 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
returning benefits to society as a whole.
JRA operates 10 racecourses with eight of these holding
both flat and jump racing. The remaining two racecourses
only hold flat racing. In 2019, there were 3,452 races, which
generated a betting turnover of ¥2.9 trillion.
National Association of Racing (NAR;
operated by Local Governments)
esignated autonomous local municipalities and designated
prefectural governments have held Racing by Local
Governments since 1948. NAR is the centralized
organization and registry for Racing by Local Governments.
This racing, like that of JRA, is under the oversight of the
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and operates
among other purposes to contribute to the finances of local
governments.
The NAR was established in 1962 to standardize the
registration of local racing’s racehorse owners and
racehorses as well as to establish a licensing authority for
local racing trainers and jockeys nationwide. Racing by local
governments consists of 14 local governments located
throughout the country, which serve as organizers of the
races held within their jurisdiction. These 14 local
governments are comprised of two prefectural governments,
two municipal, and 10 joint-organizations. NAR is the
authority that oversees this racing.
The 14 organizers of racing by local governments held
14,779 races during 2019 at 17 tracks with a turnover of
approximately ¥674 billion. They operated 17 tracks, which
included two (Sapporo and Chukyo) on loan from JRA and
one racecourse (Obihiro) which specializes in only draft
horse races.
2019 Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix)

RA holds thoroughbred flat races and jump races in Japan,
with about half of the racing schedule for flat races is held
on turf and half on dirt courses.
Racing Calendar
RA is allowed to hold 36 meetings annually. A race
meeting is a maximum of 12 days, with racing held 288
days a year. As a general rule, race meetings must have a
maximum of 12 races a day.
JRA racing days are in principle limited to weekends, on
both Saturday and Sunday, with several exceptions for
national holidays. Special provisions exist for JRA to hold
racing during the weekdays in emergency circumstances.
2019 JRA Races 3,452
Flat races 3,325 (1,676 turf/1,649 dirt)
Jump races 127
Types of Races
Racing Calendar
RA racing is divided into two categories: flat and jump
racing. The conditions are set up to ensure that horses of
similar levels compete against each other. Horses are
assigned in the categories according to the prize money
value of the races. There are also handicap races, in which
relative differences in the abilities of runners are leveled by
increasing or decreasing the weights to be carried of horses.
In some cases, competing horses are limited by sex, but in all
cases the amount of prize money earned is the standard, and
levels of ability are always determined according to that
measure.
The highest level of these races is the open races, among
which high-value races are considered graded races. In order
to promote the broad recognition of the role and importance
of grading the races and provide a benchmark for the
breeding industry, graded race structure was implemented in
1984. In 2007, Japan was promoted to Part I country of the
International Cataloging Standards, and ever since, the
number of Japanese graded races gaining international
recognition increased by the year, and in 2010, all Japanese
graded races were recognized as international graded races
and became open to foreign-trained horses. JRA also
introduced a grading system to jump races in 1999, and there
are now 10 graded Jump Races: J-GI (2 races), J-GII (3
races) and J-GIII (5 races).
Number of JRA Races by Class in 2019
Classes No. of races (share %)
Graded 129 (3.9)
Open 115 (3.5)
3-win 186 (5.6)
2-win 451 (13.6)
1-win 993 (29.9)
Newcomer 297 (8.9)
Maiden 1,154 (34.7)
Race Distance
Racing Calendar
he distance for two-year-old flat races must be 800 meters
or longer, while the distance for three-year-olds and up
must be 1,000 meters or longer. Race distance is gradually
extended between horses making their debut as two-years
old and the spring of their three-year-old season, taking into
account factors such as the horse’s growth and racing
experience, so that by the time three-year-olds start
competing against older horses, they can experience racing
distances up to 2,400 meters or more.
In mixed races for three-years-olds and older horses, race
structure is created to appeal to the racing fans with variety
of distances, so that individual racehorses can fully bring out
their ability in speed and stamina.
The racing distance on turf for two-year-olds ranges from
1,000 meters to 2,000 meters. Races between 1,400 meters
3 |
to a mile account for the largest proportion of the total, 41%. Licenses and Registration
Races over 1800 meters account for 37%, and then followed
by sprint races. For three-year-olds, the distance is set from
Racing Calendar
Trainer Licenses
the shortest at 1,000 meters up to 3,000 meters, with 44% of One must pass the JRA license examination to obtain a
these races set at Intermediate and the next largest proportion trainer’s license in JRA racing. A trainer’s license is valid for
in Mile. Lastly, the distance for three-year-olds and up one year and license renewal examinations are held annually.
ranges from 1,000 meters up to 3,600 meters, with 36% of One must be 28 years of age or older to be eligible to take
these races set at Intermediate. Next in order of numerical the test. Examination categories include racing regulations,
percentage by distance are Mile and Sprint. hippology, tests on academic subjects, along with tests of
equestrian skills, among other topics. Trainer’s examinations
Number of JRA Races by Distance on Turf in 2019 are generally taken after experience has been gained as a
Total flat races on turf 1,676 races jockey or stable hand. Trainers are required to be
1,000–1,200 m 347 races 20.7% knowledgeable about the training and supervision of
racehorses. They must also possess a variety of expertise
1,400–1,600 m 499 races 29.8%
pertaining to the education of young stable hands, jockeys,
1,700–2,000 m 643 races 38.4%
stable operations and so forth.
2,200 m and over 187 races 11.1%
Jockey Licenses
Only licensed jockeys may ride horses entered in races in
Prize Money Japan and one must pass the JRA license examination to
Racing Calendar obtain a jockey’s license to become a professional. A
he purse for JRA races are awarded to the first five jockey’s license is valid for one year, and license renewal
finishers. Depending on the races, there are other examinations are held annually. One must be 16 years old or
incentive monies paid to the runners finishing from sixth to older to be eligible to take the test. Examination categories
tenth place, and stakes money, registration fees borne by include racing regulations, hippology and other academic
horse owners, which is distributed among the top three subjects along with a test of practical skills of the jockey’s
finishers where applicable. techniques. In 2015, the two world-class riders, Italian Mirco
The largest first-place purse is ¥300 million each for the Demuro and Frenchman Christophe Lemaire were granted
Japan Cup and Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix), and the full-term jockey licenses by JRA. There is also a short-term
smallest is the ¥5.1 million for events held for winless three- license, limited to three months, issued to superior foreign
year-olds and two-year-olds. The total prize money provided jockeys to ride in Japan. JRA and NAR operate jockey
by JRA in 2019 was ¥106 billion. training schools to train jockeys, and the majority of
currently active jockeys have attended those schools. (Please
Trainer, Jockey, Groom Incomes refer to Page 19 for details on the JRA Horse Racing School)
Racing Calendar Horse Owner Registration
rainers chiefly derive their income from owner-paid As a general rule, a person aspiring to become a racehorse
contract fees and 10% of the prize money. Jockey income owner in Japan, must first be a resident of Japan (in the case
consists of riding fees, 5% of the prize money, contract of non-Japanese, a resident alien), not have a criminal record
training fees and salaries if they are directly employed by for imprisonable offenses.
trainers. Grooms are paid a salary by trainers and about 5% Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient assets and
of the prize money. income to possess a racehorse. Individuals, corporations and
private groups (syndicates) may own racehorses, and the
number enrolled in membership corporations has been
increasing recently. Also, trainers, trainer's assistants, jockeys,
stable hands and others who have direct contact with racing
operations and racehorses may not become horse owners.
JRA began accepting applications for owner registration for
foreign persons who are non-Japanese residents in 2009.
Further, details on this process are available at
http://japanracing.jp/en/horsemen/jra_rules/rules_racing.html#c2

4 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 Ensuring Integrity
1. Horses entering races
Horses must be stabled either at a training center or at the
racecourse stables 10 to 15 days before a race to ensure
integrity in horse racing and proper quarantine measures.
Stabling horses for a certain period until the day of the race
and managing them is necessary to gain the credibility of
racing fans.
2. Jockeys
After their mounts have been declared on the day before the
race, jockeys are obliged to remain in the jockeys’ quarters
or jockey’s room until they mount their assigned horses.
These facilities are at racecourses, or training centers, and are
equipped so that jockeys can prepare themselves mentally
and physically to demonstrate their utmost abilities during
races. Furthermore, having jockeys under supervised
custody in these facilities from the time their mounts have
been declared until after a race has finished also has the
merit of preventing undesirable incidents that might affect
race outcomes.
Jockey’s quarters
3. Restricted entry in operational areas
Racetracks strictly restrict anyone who might pose a risk of
interfering with the safe running of races or the maintenance
of good order inside the track. Additionally, from the
perspective of ensuring horses’ safety, training centers and
other facilities affiliated with racing also strictly limit
admittance to only those who have obtained prior permission
from racing authorities.
4. Limitations on offering/purchasing bets
Only authorized racing authorities are permitted to offer
bets under Japanese law, so when anyone other than a racing
authority offers bets, not only the seller, but also any person
who has purchased wagers from the illegal sellers will be
severely punished. Moreover, anyone who offers bets via the
Internet from an overseas location, as well as anyone who
purchases bets from such a concern, is similarly subject to
severe punishment.
5. Stewards’ offices
Stewards’ offices have been set up at both training centers
and serve as bases for stable personnel and racehorses, and
there are several stewards on duty there around the clock.
The stewards are in constant communication with stable
personnel and patrol the training centers’ premises as needed
in an effort to ensure the safety of horses and personnel.
We are well aware that what is of the utmost importance in
the development and maintaining the support of many horse
racing fans is the need to sustain a track environment that is
sound and impartial, i.e. one that ensures integrity.
Racing official in monitor towers
Stewards surveillance of the race
5 |
 International Relations
Racing Calendar
apan’s horse racing industry has for many years imported
superior thoroughbreds from overseas for racing and
breeding purposes as part of its efforts to improve horses
bred in Japan and to enhance their racing stamina.
JRA established the Japan Cup, an international invitational
race, in 1981 in an attempt to verify the results of efforts to
improve horses bred in Japan and to inject new vitality into
Japanese horse racing. This race, pitting champion horses
from four continents against each other, has gained
acceptance as an event to determine the world’s turf
champion and has subsequently served as a model of how to
establish international invitational races in various countries.
Japan’s horse racing industry has rapidly absorbed the
expertise of advanced horse racing nations through the Japan
Cup and has managed to join their ranks. The race is highly
rated around the world and the International Cataloguing
Standard Committee conferred a Part 1 race rating on the
Japan Cup in 1992.
JRA graded races that have systematically been opening up
to foreign-trained horses since 1993 have steadily obtained
Part 1 ratings. The International Cataloguing Standard
Committee elevated Japan to a Part 1 nation status in 2007 as
a result of Japan opening more than half of its graded races
2019 World All-Star Jockeys
2019 Yasuda Kinen (winner: INDY CHAMP)
6 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
to foreign-trained horses. All JRA flat graded races have
been opened to foreign-trained horses since 2010. (Please
refer to Page 44 “Main Achievements of Japan Trained
Horses Abroad (GI Races)”)
The introduction of the world’s leading jockeys has also
raised the level of JRA racing. The World Super Jockeys
Series was inaugurated in 1987 in an attempt to improve the
riding skills of Japanese jockeys and to promote international
friendship. This series has become a fixture on the global
racing calendar and it has welcomed more than 200 top-
caliber jockeys from Europe, North America, Oceania and
Asia. It has been renamed as the World All-Star Jockeys and
altered in schedule and venue (Sapporo Racecourse,
Hokkaido) in 2015, but this year, the series has been
cancelled due to the influence of COVID-19.
Also, each year, JRA holds trophy exchange races with
various racing authorities from foreign countries to deepen
international relations and goodwill.
2019 Japan Cup (winner: SUAVE RICHARD)
2019 Takarazuka Kinen (winner: LYS GRACIEUX)
2020 JRA Graded I Races (Flat races)
Date Race Course Distance (m) Age/Sex
Feb. 23 February Stakes Tokyo 1,600 / Dirt 4yo & up
Mar. 29 Takamatsunomiya Kinen Chukyo 1,200 / Turf 4yo & up
Apr. 5 Osaka Hai Hanshin 2,000 / Turf 4yo & up
Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas)
Apr. 12 Hanshin 1,600 / Turf 3yo Fillies
(1st leg of fillies’ triple crown)
Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas)
Apr. 19 Nakayama 2,000 / Turf 3yo No Geldings
(1st leg of triple crown)
May. 3 Tenno Sho (Spring) Kyoto 3,200 / Turf 4yo & up
May. 10 NHK Mile Cup Tokyo 1,600 / Turf 3yo No Geldings
May. 17 Victoria Mile Tokyo 1,600 / Turf 4yo & up Fillies & Mares
Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks)
May. 24 Tokyo 2,400 / Turf 3yo Fillies
(2nd leg of fillies’ triple crown)
Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)
May. 31 Tokyo 2,400 / Turf 3yo No Geldings
(2nd leg of triple crown)
Jun. 7 Yasuda Kinen Tokyo 1,600 / Turf 3yo & up
Jun. 28 Takarazuka Kinen Hanshin 2,200 / Turf 3yo & up
Oct. 4 Sprinters Stakes Nakayama 1,200 / Turf 3yo & up
Shuka Sho
Oct. 18 Kyoto 2,000 / Turf 3yo Fillies
(Final leg of fillies’ triple crown)
Kikuka Sho (Japanese St. Leger)
Oct. 25 Kyoto 3,000 / Turf 3yo No Geldings
(Final leg of triple crown)
Nov. 1 Tenno Sho (Autumn) Tokyo 2,000 / Turf 3yo & up
Japan Autumn International
Nov. 15 Hanshin 2,200 / Turf 3yo & up Fillies & Mares
Queen Elizabeth II Cup
Japan Autumn International
Nov. 22 Hanshin 1,600 / Turf 3yo & up
Mile Championship
Japan Autumn International
Nov. 29 Japan Cup Tokyo 2,400 / Turf 3yo & up
(International Invitational)
Japan Autumn International
Dec. 6 Chukyo 1,800 / Dirt 3yo & up
Champions Cup
Dec. 13 Hanshin Juvenile Fillies Hanshin 1,600 / Turf 2yo Fillies
Dec. 20 Asahi Hai Futurity Stakes Hanshin 1,600 / Turf 2yo No Geldings
Dec. 26 Hopeful Stakes Nakayama 2,000 / Turf 2yo No Geldings
Dec. 27 Arima Kinen (The Grand Prix) Nakayama 2,500 / Turf 3yo & up

2020 JRA International Jump Races

Date Race Course Distance (m) Age/Sex
Mar. 20 Pegasus Jump Stakes Nakayama 3,350 / Turf 4yo & up
Apr. 18 Nakayama Grand Jump (J-GI) Nakayama 4,250 / Turf 4yo & up
Dec. 26 Nakayama Daishogai (J-GI) Nakayama 4,100 / Turf 3yo & up

7 |
 Deduction Rate
Racing Calendar
ari-mutuel betting is the sole form of wagering for horse RA deducts about 25% of the total betting turnover
racing in Japan under the Horse racing Law. JRA and (deduction rates are between 20 % and 30% depending on
local racing authorities are the only organizations authorized the bet type), and the remaining 75% is allocated
by law to legally conduct betting operations on horse racing. proportionally among winning bettors, depending on the
As such, there are no legal private bookmakers or betting amounts of their bets. Of this 25%, 10% is disbursed to the
companies. national government in a payment to the national treasury,
However, in accordance with the amended horse racing law and the remaining 15% is allocated to, among other things,
(in force from January 1, 2005), which permits subcontracting operating expenses and prize money. If there are any surplus
of business matters related to the running of horse races, JRA profits remaining at the end of the fiscal year, 50 % of which
is permitted to contract out the offering of bets and the is also disbursed to the national government.
issuance of payouts or refunds to prefectural/municipal
governments or private citizens and the prefectural/ JRA House Take Percentages
municipal governments can consign them to other
Operation
prefectural/municipal governments, JRA, or private citizens. Expenses
and Prize
Types of Bets Money
15%
Racing Calendar National
s of 2019, JRA offers nine types of bets: win, place, Government
10%
bracket number quinella, horse number quinella,
quinella place (“wide”), exacta, trio, trifecta and Pick5
“WIN5.” As shown in the pie graph, trifecta makes up Allocated
around 31% of total turnover. Of these, bracket number Winning
quinella is unique to Japan. In the case of bracket number Bettors
quinella, horses entered in a race are first coupled into a total 75%
of eight brackets (of one horse or more in each bracket).
Fans select two brackets in a quinella-style bet and if one Off-Course Betting Facilities
horse from each of those brackets comes in first or second Racing Calendar
(regardless of order of finish), the bet is a winner. And in RA has 41 “WINS” off-course betting facilities
April 2011, JRA began offering the new Pick5 “WIN5” nationwide and the 10 JRA racecourses which do not hold
wagers, which involve predicting the winners of five races also function as off-course betting facilities. Several of
designated races each Sunday. The maximum payout is ¥600 these have membership regulations, with restrictions on the
million. number of people permitted in, offering a luxurious, salon-
2019 JRA Betting Turnover style environment in which to enjoy horse racing.
(total turnover ¥2.881.788.661.700)

Pick5 Win
"WIN5" 6.4%
Place
1.2%
8.8%
Bracket
Trifecta
Quinella
31.0%
3.0%
Horse
Number
Quinella
13.8%
Exacta
Trio
20.5% Quinella 6.4%
Place Excel floor
8.8% (fixed capacity system with entry in order of arrival that day
and admission charged)

8 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 IPAT(PC)

WINS Korakuen

Telephone Betting
Racing Calendar
RA began offering telephone wagers in 1974. Individual
members who have signed a contract have payments of
wager amounts and transfers of payouts handled
automatically via designated bank accounts. There are four
forms of memberships: A-PAT (dedicated bank account for
ARS, PAT and IPAT systems), Soku-PAT (Internet bank for
I-PAT system), JRA Direct (Credit Card for IPAT system; PC
only) and ARS (dedicated bank account for ARS system). As
of December 31, 2019, A-PAT had 1,433,875 members,
Soku-PAT 2,952,613, JRA Direct 68,049 and ARS 14,591.
IPAT(PC)
ARS (Audio Response System)
Bettors must use touch-tone styled telephones to place their
bet.

PAT (Personal Access Terminal)

This home-use system is designed for use with personal
computers, TV game devices, or other related devices that
can be directly connected to JRA’s PAT system. As well as a
method for betting, this system offers information of interest
to bettors, such as race entrants, odds and payouts.

IPAT (Internet Betting)

This system began operations in March 2002 and enables
PAT subscribers to place bets easily over the Internet via cell IPAT(Smart Phone)

phones, smart phone or personal computers.

Telephone wagers and WINS (including tracks not hosting

races) turnover make up 70.3% and 26.9% of JRA’s total
turnover respectively, accounting for a vast majority of the
handle.
n October 2012, JRA and NAR developed a new
integrated totalizator system, which connects the two
betting centers. This makes it possible to bet on the NAR
races through a membership of JRA’s internet betting system
and NAR racing fans can buy JRA bets at designated NAR
racecourses.

9 |
 acing organizers must bear in mind that during the
conduct of races, the provision of fair races and the
offering of wagers go hand-in-hand. This is not just from the
aspect of betting, but on the basis of enhancing the
attractiveness of racing itself. Organizers need to continually
strive toward the development of all-around leisure with
racing as the centerpiece, so that fans can enjoy a variety of
services in pleasant, general-purpose leisure facilities.
Surveys and Internet monitor programs are employed, In Japan, racetracks have been developed into comprehensive
leisure facilities.
telephone and written requests are gathered, and analyses of
conditions in other leisure industries are conducted to gain an
understanding of fan requirements. Using such data, JRA
plans and implements the specialized services that fans
desire. Customer services offered at JRA races can be
broadly categorized as follows:

Enhancing the appeal of racing itself

Racing Calendar
nhancing the appeal of racing itself means promoting
the enjoyment of racing and the allure of trying to
choose the winner, which are the fundamental ingredients
(value and quality) that racing possesses. JRA strives to offer
fair, world- class races incorporated into the best racing
fixtures possible, in order to meet fans’ needs and meet their
expectations.

Giant Turf Vision monitor

Provide the best of “hardware” services

Centaur garden at Hanshin racecourse
Racing Calendar
he second point is endeavoring to enhance services for
fans from the standpoint of the “hardware” on site, to
create an environment of enjoyment at all-around leisure
facilities.

Specific examples:
・Upgrading and refurbishing grandstands.
・Improving image transmission systems, media and
other information-related facilities.
・Expanding separate smoking and non-smoking areas,
playgrounds, greenery and design within venues and
providing more parking areas.

Horse rides

10 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 Provide the best of “software” services Gate J
Racing Calendar Racing Calendar
he third item is offering fans “software” amenities, along n order to promote broader understanding of the
with various types of hospitality that are both convenient intricacies of horse racing culture by providing a wide
and satisfying for our horse racing aficionados. This includes range of information related to horses in casual fashion, JRA
promoting methods of customer service among other things. opened the “Gate J.” in a popular business district in Tokyo.
Further, JRA provides the following additional services for The facility features videos of horses and horse racing from
race fans: Japan and around the
world on large screens
・Free Pass Days (Admission to racecourses is free)
and in film libraries, as
・“Beginners Seminar” are held at racecourses and
well as gift shops and
WINS for horse racing beginners where they are taught
areas where visitors can
how to place bets and how to read racing newspapers
pick up information
among other useful information to enjoy horse racing.
about JRA. This facility
・ Racecourse Attendance Points Campaign, where
acts as a pilot shop to
customers can accumulate points by going to any of the
provide information about horse racing.
10 JRA racecourses and will be given various gifts
once points accumulated.
・Campaigns using animated characters and JRA mascot Green Channel and other services
TURFY to increase understanding towards horse Racing Calendar
RA established a broadcasting channel called the Green
racing
Channel in 1994 as a service to provide fans with
・Events Attended by Jockeys and Equestrian Campaigns
extensive racing footage in their own homes. Anyone who
・“UMAJO SPOT” (women –only area) in racecourses
subscribes to the CS
to attract women to racecourses, and make them feel
digital broadcast or CATV
that racecourses can be enjoyable places for women
can enjoy this channel.
・Special website targeting horse racing beginners by
JRA also hosts the Racing
collaborating with popular anime cartoons and so on.
Viewer, which distributes
JRA places strong emphasis on advertising the unique videos of races over the
excitement that only horse racing can provide. Current Internet.
activities involve holding various events to lure new fans to
the attractions held at racecourses on race days. The major Website
racecourses have special spaces for such events. Playgrounds Racing Calendar
and its equipment have been constructed to keep children he personal computer version of JRA website (jra.jp) was
entertained. JRA runs television advertisements to announce launched in 1997, and the mobile phone version in 2005.
the graded races and raise the profile of horse racing. In It draws many visitors, who use it mostly to view race day
publicizing races, JRA features popular actors and actresses information such as race cards, race results, and payouts. The
in its advertisements to boost the image of the JRA and horse number of page views has increased every year since the site
racing among the general public, and to attract younger was launched. In addition to race day information, the site
generations who have had no contact with horse racing. offers a wealth of
Regarding brand advertising, each year JRA creates an other information,
advertisement based on a horse-related catchphrase that including event
conveys the beauty and power of racehorses that cannot be information held
completely conveyed in more general television at racecourses or
commercials that promote specific races. Through these PR WINS, horseback
programs and television commercials, JRA hopes to bring riding information,
even more enjoyment to racing fans. event information,
race analysis and introduction of graded races.

11 |
 okyo, Nakayama, Kyoto and Hanshin are known as the “big four” of the 10 JRA racecourses, and, along with Chukyo,
all GI races are held at these five courses. Three racecourses - Tokyo, Niigata and Chukyo - have counterclockwise
courses and the other tracks are right handed.

TOKYO RACECOURSE
Offering a view of Mt. Fuji to the southwest, this is JRA’s
largest racecourse. It is host to the February Stakes (GI),
NHK Mile Cup (GI), Victoria Mile (GI), Yushun Himba
(Japanese Oaks) (GI), Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) (GI),
Yasuda Kinen (GI), Tenno Sho (Autumn) (GI) and Japan
Cup (GI). Thrilling races take place down a 530-meterlong
homestretch. The refurbishment of the grandstand was
completed in the spring of 2007. This facility can now seat
more than 120,000.
Main course (turf)
Length Width
A Course 2,083.1 m 31–41 m
B Course 2,101.9 m 28–38 m
C Course 2,120.8 m 25–35 m
D Course 2,139.6 m 22–32 m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,899.0 m 25 m
Jump course (turf)
Length Width
1,674.7 m 25 m

NAKAYAMA RACECOURSE
This racecourse holds the Nakayama Grand Jump (J-GI),
Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2000 Guineas) (GI), Sprinters Stakes
(GI), Nakayama Daishogai (J-GI), Arima Kinen (The Grand
Prix) (GI) and Hopeful Stakes (G1). The rising slope along
the final 200 meters of the homestretch adds to the interest
of races. The steeplechase course has three inclining steeps
unique to Nakayama.

Main course (turf) Oval track:

Length Width
Inner oval A 1,667.1 m 20–32 m
B 1,686.0 m 17–29m
C 1,704.8 m 14–26 m
Outer oval A 1,839.7 m 24–32 m
B 1,858.5m 21–29m
C 1,877.3 m 18–26 m
Dirt course (Oval)
Length Width
1,493.0 m 20–25 m
Jump course (turf)
Length Width
O-line 1,456.4 m 20–30 m
X-line 447.5 m and 424.3 m 20–30 m

12 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 KYOTO RACECOURSE
Built in 1924, Kyoto Racecourse is the premier racecourse
in Western Japan. It holds the same number of race meetings
as other major racecourses, with five meetings a year. In
2007, a multi-screen Turf Vision on the same scale as that of
Tokyo was installed to enhance the provision of video and
information at the track. Major races are the Tenno Sho
(Spring)(G1), Shuka Sho (G1), Kikuka Sho (Japanese St.
Leger)(G1), Queen Elizabeth II (G1) and Mile
Championship (G1). The renovation work on the facilities
will be conducted from November 2020 thru March 2023.
All races will be relocated to other tracks during renovation.
Main course (turf)
Length Width
Inner oval Outer oval
A Course 1,782.8 m 1,894.3 m 27–38 m
B Course 1,802.2 m 1,913.6 m 24–35 m
C Course 1,821.1 m 1,932.4 m 21–32 m
D Course 1,839.9 m 1,951.3 m 18–29 m
Dirt course
Length Width
Oval 1,607.6 m 25 m
Jump course (turf)
Length Width
Normal 1,413.8 m 23 m
Grand 1,399.8 m 20 m

HANSHIN RACECOURSE
First built on its present location in 1948, Hanshin
Racecourse joins Kyoto Racecourse as the second of the two
feature racecourses in Western Japan. Hanshin has the same
number of race meetings as Kyoto and the two racecourses
alternate race meeting. Its uniquely long corners, as well as a
steep rise just before the finish line, are the major
characteristics of this racecourse. Major races are Osaka Hai
(G1), Oka Sho (Japanese 1000 Guineas) (G1), Takarazuka
Kinen (G1), Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) and Asahi Hai
Futurity Stakes (GI).
Turf course (inner oval)
Course Length Width Homestretch length Undulation
A 1,689.0 m 24–28 m 356.5 m 1.9m
B 1,713.2 m 20–25 m 359.1 m 1.9m

Turf course (outer oval)

Course Length Width Homestretch length Undulation
A 2,089.0 m 24–29 m 473.6 m 2.4 m
B 2,113.2 m 20–25 m 476.3 m 2.4 m

Dirt course
Length Width Homestretch length Undulation
1,517.6 m 22–25 m 352.7 m 1.6 m

Steeplechase track (Turf)

O-line Length Width Homestretch length Undulation
1,366.7 m 20.5 m 403.7 m 1.3 m

13 |
 CHUKYO RACECOURSE
Chukyo Racecourse outside of Nagoya reopened in March
2012, after nearly two years of renovation work. The turf
course has been lengthened by over 100 meters and now
measures 1,705.9 meters around with a 412.5-meter
homestretch. The dirt course, now measures 1,530 meters
with a 410.7-meter final homestretch, making it the longest
dirt stretch in Western Japan. The 1,200-meter
Takamatsunomiya Kinen (GI) is held on the turf and the
1,800-meter Champions Cup (G1) is held on the dirt.

Main course (turf)

Length Width
A Course 1,705.9 m 28–30 m
B Course 1,724.8 m 25–27m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,530 m 25 m

SAPPORO RACECOURSE
This racecourse, located in Sapporo City, the largest city on
the northern island of Hokkaido, has two race meetings each
year. The major races are the Sapporo Kinen (G2), Queen
Stakes (G3), Elm Stakes (G3), Keeneland Cup (G3) and
Sapporo Nisai Stakes (G3). The refurbishment of the
grandstand was completed in July 2014.

Main course (turf)

Length Width
A Course 1,640.9 m 25–27 m
B Course 1,650.4m 23.5–25.5m
C Course 1,659.8 m 22–24 m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,487.0 m 20 m

HAKODATE RACECOURSE
Situated in Hakodate City in Hokkaido, this racecourse has
two race meetings each year. Major races are the Hakodate
Sprint Stakes (G3), Hakodate Kinen (G3) and Hakodate
Nisai Stakes (G3). The refurbishment of the grandstand was
completed in June 2010.

Main course (turf)

Length Width
A Course 1,626.6 m 29 m
B Course 1,651.8 m 25 m
C Course 1,675.8 m 21–22 m

Dirt course
Length Width
1,475.8 m 20 m

14 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 FUKUSHIMA RACECOURSE
Located in Fukushima City in northern Honshu, this
racecourse holds three race meetings annually. Major races
are the Fukushima Himba Stakes (G3), Radio Nikkei Sho
(G3), Tanabata Sho (G3), and Fukushima Kinen (G3).
Main course (turf)
Length Width
A Course 1,600.0 m 25–27 m
B Course 1,614.1 m 22.5–25 m
C Course 1,628.1 m 20–23 m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,444.6 m 20–25 m
Jump course (turf)
Length Width
S-line 490.9 m 17.6-20 m

NIIGATA RACECOURSE
This racecourse is located in Niigata City alongside of the
Japan Sea. Niigata Racecourse was completely renovated in
2001. Major races are the Sekiya Kinen (G3), Niigata Kinen
(G3), Niigata Daishoten (G3), Niigata Nisai Stakes (G3), the
Leopard Stakes (G3) and Ibis Summer Dash (G3), the only
JRA graded race held over the 1,000-meter straight course.

Main course (turf)

Length Width
Inner oval Outer oval
A Course 1,623.0 m 2,223.0 m 25 m
B Course 1,648.1 m 2,248.1 m 21 m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,472.5 m 20 m
Straightaway course Length
1,000.0 m

KOKURA RACECOURSE
Located in the foremost industrial city of Kitakyushu on the
island of Kyushu, Kokura Racecourse holds three race
meetings a year. Its major races are the Kitakyushu Kinen
(G3), Kokura Kinen (G3), Kokura Nisai Stakes (G3),
Kokura Daishoten (G3) and Kokura Summer Jump (J-G3).

Main course (turf)

Length Width
A Course 1,615.1 m 30 m
B Course 1,633.9 m 27 m
C Course 1,652.8 m 24 m
Dirt course
Length Width
1,445.4 m 24 m
Jump course (turf)
Length Width
O-line 1,309.0 m 16–20 m
S-line 415.7 m

15 |
 JRA Training Centers
wo training centers have been established by JRA to
provide horses with the conditioning they need to put on
the best of races. They are in Miho, Ibaraki Prefecture, in
eastern Japan and Ritto, Shiga Prefecture, in western Japan.
These expansive 50- to 60-hectare sites are equipped with
stables, clinics for the racehorses, lodging facilities, medical
clinics and various other facilities for the benefit of the over
2,000 racehorses stabled there and the people who take care
of them. The facilities operate 24 hours a day so that the
racing runs smoothly; the fairness of races is ensured; the
horses’ safety, health and hygiene are maintained; and
information is provided to fans. Horses to be entered in races
MIHO TRAINING CENTER
Total Area: 2,241,000 m2
Stable Accommodations: 2,652
Woodland bridle path:
1,000 m × 15 m turf
1,744 m × 3.5–7 m bark
16 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
must be trained at the training centers for a set period (10
days for horses with racing experience and 15 days or more
for those that have not raced) before races are run.
In addition to oval tracks configured to conform to actual
race situations, there are sharp uphill training tracks, turf, dirt,
woodchip, new poly track to suit any training objective.
Thorough track supervision to ensure the safety of horses in
training includes leveling out the dirt course, sprinkling
antifreeze agents on tracks in winter and water in summer.
New training facilities are steadily being built to keep pace
with diversification in training methods. These new
improvements enable training to proceed in a wide variety of
forms and have greatly contributed to finely conditioned
horses.
RITTO TRAINING CENTER
Total Area: 1,528,000m2
Stable Accommodations: 2,264
Courses:
A Course: (Steeplechase) 1,450 m × 20 m (turf)
B Course: 1,600 m × 20 m (dirt)
C-W Course: 1,800 m × 20 m (woodchip)
D Course: 1,950 m × 14 m (turf)
D-P Course: 2,038 m × 14 m (new polytrack)
E Course: 2,200 m × 24 m (dirt)
Uphill Course: 1,085 m × 7 m (woodchip)
difference in elevation: 32 m
Woodchip riding trail: 2,300 m × 4~14 m (woodchip)
Swimming pool: 50 × 3-meter circle, 3 meters deep
Other: 2 straight line pools & Water treadmill
Equine Clinic
North Track
A Course (steeplechase):
1,370 m × 12.5 m inner dirt
1,436 m × 12.5 m outer turf
B Course: 1,600 m (dirt) × 20 m (dirt)
C Course: 1,800 m (dirt) × 20 m (dirt)
Swimming pool: 44 × 3-meter circle, 3.0 meters deep
Other: 2 straight line pools & Water treadmill
South Track
A Course: 1,370 m × 25m (dirt)
B Course: 1,600 m × 20 m (woodchip)
C Course (inner): 1,800 m × 8-10 m (turf)
C Course (outer): 1,858 m × 15 m (new polytrack)
D Course: 2,000 m × 20m (woodchip)
Uphill Course: 1,200 m × 12 m (woodchip)
Difference in elevation: 18 m
Swimming Pool: 44 × 3-meter circle, 3 meters deep
Other: 2 straight line pools & Water treadmill
Equine Clinic
 Starting Gate Training
orses must pass a starting gate test to be able to enter a
race. At the training centers, an important part of training
is rehearsing entering the gate and preparing for the start.
Uphill Course
n this woodchip track, workout times are electronically
measured at 200-meter intervals, using IC tags attached to
each horse. These times are then released to the public.
Indoor Heated Pool
raining is conducted year-round in this circular pool, with
pool and air temperatures maintained at around 25
degrees centigrade throughout the year.
Water Treadmill
n underwater treadmill device is designed to provide a
workout using water resistance while reducing the stress
of body weight on the legs.
Woodland Riding Trail
nature trail that weaves through the woods was created
to visually and aurally relax the horses. There are
streams for horses to walk in, waterfalls, and artificial
misting devices along the riding path.
Racehorse Hospital
comprehensive medical facility for racehorses is operated
by approximately 40 JRA veterinarians. They are
primarily engaged in racehorse health management,
diagnosis and treatment of sick horses, prevention of
communicable diseases, checkups for horses scheduled to
race, consulting services related to training and stabling, and
educational efforts related to health and hygiene ideas.
17 |
 Training Stands Early in the morning of the race day, runners are
transported from the training center to each site, such as
rainers and others involved with horses can observe the
Tokyo, Nakayama, Kyoto, Hanshin or Chukyo
condition of the horses during workouts on the track from
racecourses.
here. Final workouts, training held three to four days before
a race, and recording of training times are done, and Ritto Training Center to:
members of the media gather information for stories from Kyoto Racecourse (45 km)
here. Hanshin Racecourse (85 km)
Chukyo Racecourse (150 km)

Miho Training Center to:

Tokyo Racecourse (120 km)
Nakayama Racecourse (75 km)

18 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 JRA Horse Racing School
Racing Calendar
he JRA Horse racing School was established in Shiroi City, Chiba
Prefecture in 1982, with the aim of cultivating jockeys and stable staff
with the knowledge and skills needed to adapt to the change of the times.
Anyone who wants to acquire a jockey’s license and ride in JRA races must
attend the JRA Horse racing School. The current curriculum features a three-
year course for jockeys, in which the students go through the practical work
in the stables, step-by-step drills in equestrian riding and practical training in
preparation for racing. The school also has a six-month course for stable
employees. The 263,000-square meter site has a 1,400-meter dirt track and is
also home to the international quarantine stables used for quarantining horses entering Japan.
Prospective students are required to pass an entrance examination for enrollment in either course. Students who wish to enroll in
the jockey course must meet the following requirements:
a) Age: Must be under 20 years old when entering the school, and must have graduated from junior high school or an
equivalent educational institution.
b) Weight: Must be 48.0kg (or lower, depending on age) when entering school.
c) Eyesight: Over 0.8 for both eyes (without glasses or contact lenses)
d) Must have color visibility, hearing ability, and must be in good health.
e) Prospective students must not have any imprisonment records, or have
been fined by breaking Horse racing Law or other gambling-related
laws. Also he/she must not have any record of suspension or
termination of involvement with horse racing by law.
After completion of the course, the prospective jockeys may take the
jockey’s license examination and the stable employees are eligible, with JRA
approval, to be employed by trainers licensed by JRA.

JRA Equestrian Park

Note: JRA's Equestrian Park will be closed from December 31, 2016 until the autumn of 2022 for the facilities improvement.
In the summer of 2021, Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Games will be held at the park.

RA Equestrian Park in Setagaya, Tokyo, was constructed in 1940 to

promote equestrian events and for the training of prospective jockeys.
During the 18th Olympic Games in 1964, it hosted some of the equestrian
events, and at one time, the park was used for the training and education of
prospective JRA jockeys. Today it is the center of equestrian events in Japan.
The park occupies an area of 185,000 square meters, including stables, an
equestrian competition field, and office buildings. The park currently
undertakes a variety of promotional activities to encourage familiarity with
horses and increase understanding of horses and racing. Along with events that
afford opportunities for direct contact with horses, such as Hippophile Day, horse shows, Horse Familiarity Day, and weekday
attractions involving interaction with horses for area residents, the park hosts an equestrian competition almost every weekend as
part of its efforts to promote equestrian culture by providing its venues for events and competition. Known familiarly as “Horse
Park” in the urban area, the park is also open to the public all year round and contributes to the local community.

19 |
 JRA Equine Research Institute
his JRA-affiliated institution was founded in 1959 with the goal of maintaining racehorse resources and running races
efficiently. Its principal aims subsequently became the prevention of injuries to racehorses and research into developing
strong horses. Its research is not limited to active racehorses, as it has conducted successful research on breeding and training,
which has been widely applied at training centers and private training farms, as well as in breeding regions.
The institute has two branches: Joban Branch and Tochigi Branch. The primary function of the Joban Branch is to provide
rehabilitation facility which includes balneotherapy and physiotherapy. Various forms of medical research are also conducted at
the branch. The Tochigi Branch, Epizootic Research Center was established as a research laboratory for equine infectious diseases
in June 1970. This unit is the only laboratory conducting research needed for the prevention and control of equine infectious
diseases in Japan.

JRA Yearling Training Farms

RA owns two yearling training farms – Hidaka Yearling Training Farm in Hokkaido and Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm in
Kyushu Island - and conducts basic training on about 80 yearlings purchased at various sales until the spring of their 2-years-
old season. The information and training data obtained during this period, as well as improved methods, are passed on broadly to
breeders and training farms, and used to improve Japan’s racing industry. After the research in the basic training period, the horses
are sold in the training sales such as the JRA Breeze Up Sale, and then follow-up research is conducted on how they perform as
racehorses. As a horseracing organization, the JRA’s comprehensive research system involving actual horses is unparalleled
anywhere in the world.

Laboratory of Racing Chemistry

his laboratory is responsible for all DNA testing of racehorses in Japan. The laboratory
and its research facilities were established in 1965 as Japan’s only testing institute for
horses, as well as the only one which provides dedicated research within that field. The
laboratory is primarily concerned with drug testing for racehorses, indispensable for ensuring
fair races. It also provides blood and DNA analysis to maintain accurate pedigrees. This
research institute was chartered as an experimental laboratory eligible for ISO/IEC 17025
accreditation in 2004.

Museums
he JRA Racing Museum opened at Tokyo Racecourse in 1991. The museum’s main
theme is horse racing, tracing the sport’s development to the present day through
exhibits on famous horses of the past. Exhibit materials cover racing not just in Japan, but
also that of other countries.
The Equine Museum of Japan was built on the site of the former Yokohama Racecourse,
the birthplace of modern horse racing in Japan, in Negishi, Yokohama, and was opened in
1977. This museum’s functions are the collection, preservation and study of a broad range of
materials on the relationship between people and horses.

20 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 he biggest difference between racing conducted by the
JRA and Racing by Local Governments is that JRA
returns a percentage of its revenue to the national treasury,
whereas Racing by Local Governments contributes to the
finances of the individual local government. Also, the
majority of race meetings by local governments is conducted
on weekdays during the day. The National Association for
Racing (NAR) oversees the 14 racing organizers throughout
the country.
ll races held by NAR are flat races on dirt surface, with
the exception of Ban-ei (Draft Horse Racing) at
Obihiro Racecourse and turf races held at Morioka
Racecourse – the only racecourse in local government racing
with a turf surface.
In 2019, there were a total of 1,280 racing days with 14,779
races held by local governments at the 17 racecourses. A
total of 148,065 horses ran, with an average of 10.0 races per
horse, in 2019.
Jump racing and harness racing, which had been run in the
past, are currently not conducted due to declining numbers
of available horses and jockeys.
Number of Flat Racing Days and Flat Races
Ban-ei (Draft Horse Racing)
Ban-ei racing is a unique kind of racing that is held only in
Hokkaido by local government racing. It consists of draft
horses weighing from 800 to 1,200 kg competing by pulling
a sled with a jockey and a prescribed heavy load over a 200-
meter dirt track that has two humps along the course.
History
The origin of draft horse racing dates back to Hokkaido’s
pioneer days, when contests of strength between horses used
to transport lumber were held for celebrations and festivals.
Dosanko (Hokkaido breds) and other plow horse breeds
native to Japan were used at the time. Belgian, Breton and
Percheron lineage horses were then used after their
subsequent introduction from Europe. Today, cross breeds
between these three varieties, called “half breeds,” or with
native breeds are predominate, while purebreds are on the
decline. The organized racing system was inaugurated by the
racing authorities in 1946 and has continued to the present.
©NAR
21 |
 Racing Calendar
ace meetings can last up to six days for racing
conducted by government-designated prefectures and
municipalities. A total of 1,280 meetings were held in 2019
in NAR.
NAR racing is conducted mainly on weekdays. There
are differences in the schedules of racecourses in the
metropolitan areas of Kanto, Tokai, Kansai and Hokkaido,
and those of racecourses in other regions. Racecourses in
major urban areas and Hokkaido hold their races on
weekdays in order to avoid competition with JRA. On the
other hand, in regions that are largely unaffected by JRA
meetings, racing is primarily held on Saturdays and
Sundays, when it is easier to attract local fans.
JBC races and other racing series
Based on the model of the BC (Breeders’ Cup) in America
and created from an initiative by breeders, the first JBC
(Japan Breeding Farms’ Cup) races were held at Oi
Racecourse in 2001. It consists of three races – the JBC
Classic, Sprint and Ladies’ Classic. As total prize money, the
Classic offers ¥136 million, the highest amount in racing by
local governments, while the Sprint offers ¥102 million and
the Ladies’ Classic ¥69.7 million, an unprecedented sum for
racing by local governments.
Racing by local governments holds several different
“Derby” races for three-year-olds on the local circuit. The
interest in these Derby races were relatively low, partly
because the prize money is lower compared to that of JRA’s
Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) and nationwide recognition
was low. Therefore, in order to raise awareness and interest,
the six districts which held these separate Derby races
collaborated and adjusted the racing calendar so that the
Derby races are held over a continuous 6-day period at six
different racecourses. Since 2007, this event has been turned
into “Series of Derby Week” to raise its profile and NAR has
taken measures to expand nationwide off-track sales. And in
2017, this event has been renewed again to “Derby Series”
with 8 races are being held at 8 different NAR racecourses
over a period of 3 weeks.
Also, NAR also conducts a series of races for fillies and
mares, named “GRANDAME-JAPAN.” The most
outstanding fillies/mares are selected from each age group
and they compete over a period of time, vying for the top
spot – and incentive money – in their respective groups.
Another series of races in the local circuit is the “Super
Sprint Series,” which began in 2011. In this event, a number
of sprint races no more than 1,000 meters are run over a
track with only one bend.
22 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
Prize Money (purse)
imilar to JRA racing, prize money is generally allocated to
the owners of the first five finishers in NAR racing.
However, there is a huge disparity between the purses
offered by different organizers. The highest purses are paid
in thoroughbred races, and the largest first-place purse is
¥136 million for the JBC Classic. The total prize money in
Racing by Local Governments in 2019 was ¥21.3 billion.
The system for distributing prize money to trainers, jockeys
and grooms are similar to that of JRA racing.
International Relations
AR first held its international invitation race in 1978, and
ever since, it has been active in inviting jockeys from
overseas to take part in their racing. The international
invitation races known as the “Ladies Cup” was held for four
consecutive years in the 1980’s, with female jockeys from
Europe, the USA, Canada and Japan competing with one
another. During the five-year period from 1989 to 1993,
NAR conducted the “International Queen Jockey Series,” in
which Japanese female jockeys rode together with female
jockeys invited from the USA, Canada, Britain, France,
Australia and New Zealand, as part of an international
friendly among female jockeys. From 1982 to 1997, Niigata
Racecourse was the host to the “Japan-Korea Challenge Cup”
races, in which jockeys from the two nations were invited to
race in each other’s racecourse.
In 1995, Oi Racecourse formed a friendly relationship with
Santa Anita Park in the USA, inviting jockeys from the
California circuit to ride in Japan. The friendly jockey series
lasted for several years. In 2013, Tokyo City Keiba (Oi
Racecourse) and the Korean Racing Authority initiated the
first-ever “Japan-Korea international invitational race,”
inviting each organization’s horses to run in Oi Racecourse
and Seoul Racecourse, respectively. The two-race series was
first held at Seoul Racecourse with three Japanese runners.
Since then, this international exchange races had been held
once a year at each racetrack from 2013 to 2016.
In recent years, foreign jockeys issued short-term licenses
by NAR or JRA have been increasing and they have
opportunities to ride in the exchange races between JRA and
NAR racing including the graded dirt races and other races
held at local government racecourses all over Japan.

Type of Bets
here are nine standard types of betting available for racing
by local governments: Win, Place, Bracket number
Quinella, Bracket number Exacta, Horse number Quinella,
Quinella Place (“Wide”), Exacta, Trio and Trifecta. As of
2019, three other types of exotic betting, Pick 5, Pick 7 and
Triple Exacta are available on the Internet.
2019 Betting Turnover by Racing by Local
Governments
(total turnover ¥674,269,715,480)
Deduction Rate
bout the use of proceeds from betting by local
governments, the deduction rate is set by each type of bet.
However, in the case of 2018, a ratio for total sales is 73.7 %.
Accordingly, 24.3% is received by each organizer for
operating expenses and prize money. 0.6% is shares of the
local government, and 1.3% is disbursed to NAR. The
remaining 0.1% is invested to the Japan Finance Corporation
for Municipal Enterprises (JFCME), which is a Government
sponsored corporation that provides low-interest financing to
local governments.
NAR House Take Percentages in 2018
Off-Course Betting Facilities
As of 2019, wagers can be placed at 96 off-course betting
facilities (including 17 tracks not hosting races).
Telephone Betting
Racing by local governments began offering telephone
wagering in 1984. Telephone betting systems offered to fans
vary according to local racing authority but are divided into
two types: ARS and Internet betting (cell phones, smart
phone or personal computers).
Similar to JRA’s figures, local government racing also
relies heavily on off-track sales. In 2001, the ratio of on-
track/off-track sales was 50:50, but in 2019, the ratio
drastically changed to 6:94. Sales at racecourses are
decreasing year by year, but off-track sales are conversely in
an increasing trend.
ost of the active NAR licensed jockeys have completed
the jockey course at the NAR Racing Education Center
in Nasu, Tochigi Prefecture. Each year, the Center accepts
some 10 students who have passed the examinations,
ranging from 15-year-old junior high school graduates to 20-
years-old adults. The training period lasts two years and
includes a five-month practical training period under the
guidance of a trainer with whom the candidate will become
affiliated with upon graduation. Upon completion of the two-
year course at the facility, jockeys make their debut after
passing the jockey license examination.
The 30,000-square meter Center includes a 1,100-meter dirt
track with four riding paddocks in the infield, an uphill
training track, stable area with a capacity of 160 horses,
veterinary clinic, farriery, etc. In 2010, the international
quarantine stables were newly built for horses entering and
leaving Japan.
23 |
 rom the betting perspective, one of the main focuses of
NAR’s customer service is to provide a betting channel that
caters to a variety of punters’ “life styles” – that is, to hold
racing on weekdays and weekend, and from daytime, late
afternoon and night time. In addition to preparing a variety in
the racing calendar, organizers of local racing cooperate
amongst one another by providing betting windows for races
held outside of their courses – for example, a racecourse will
hold racing during the day and keep the betting windows
open at night as an off-track betting facility for races held
elsewhere. Needless to say, for punters who are not able to Night racing under illuminations at Oi Racecourse
visit the racecourse, there are a number of betting channels
over the internet. In 2012, NAR and JRA developed a new
integrated totalizator system, which allows members of
JRA’s internet betting system to purchase tickets for local
racing.

Each racecourse plans its own events for the visiting fans –
ranging from talk shows by television personalities and
jockeys to charity events, as well as quiz contests with
premium prizes. Also, a local racecourse will sell or give out
their own local foods/products, taking a more “community-
“Live fanfare” before a race is one of the attractions at Oi
based” approach to attract racing fans.

Another characteristic of racing by local governments is

that it provides individuals and corporations “naming rights”
to certain races. The sponsors are invited to the racecourse
on raceday, along with various promotions of the race and
provided a guest room at the racecourse. Also, a visiting fan
can win by lottery a chance to take part in the post-race
presentation ceremony, providing a special occasion to
interact with their favorite jockeys and/or racing personnel.

Some racecourses offer free-of-charge transportation to and Fans gather for a talk show at Sonoda Racecourse

from the nearest train station. Also, some racecourses will

invite fans to watch “test races (barrier trials)” and give them
a “behind-the-scenes” tour of a raceday operation, which are
rare occasions for the casual racegoer.

Jockeys sign autographs for the enthusiastic fans

24 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 he lengths of racecourses of local governments range
from 1,000 to 1,600 meters, track width from 16 to 25
meters, and homestretches from the fourth turn to the finish
line range from 190 to 380 meters. The maximum number of
runners range from 10 to 16 horses. The NAR racecourses
are comparatively smaller than that of JRA racecourses and
bends are comparatively sharper.
All NAR racecourses have only dirt tracks, with the
exception of Morioka Racecourse which also has a turf track.

OBIHIRO KAWASAKI
Ban-ei course Length Width Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
200 m 21 m Left-handed 1,200m 25 m 300 m

MONBETSU KANAZAWA
Dirt course Right-handed Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Length 1,376m (inner)/1,600m (outer) Right-handed 1,200m 20 m 236m
Homestretch 218m(inner)/330m(outer)
Width 25m KASAMATSU
Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
MORIOKA Right-handed 1,100m 20 m 201m
Left-handed Length Width Homestretch
Dirt course 1,600m 25m 300m NAGOYA
Turf course 1,400m 22m 300m Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Right-handed 1,100m 23m 194 m
MIZUSAWA
Dirt course Length Width Homestretch SONODA
Right-handed 1,200m 20m 245 m Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Right-handed 1,051m 20–24m 213 m
URAWA
Dirt course Length Width Homestretch HIMEJI
Left-handed 1,200m 16 m–24m 220 m Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Right-handed 1,200m 20–25m 230 m
FUNABASHI
Dirt course Length KOCHI
Left-handed 1,250m(inner)/1,400m(outer) Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Homestretch 308m Right-handed 1,100m 22–27m 200 m
Width 20m(inner)/25m(outer)
SAGA
OI Dirt course Length Width Homestretch
Dirt course Length Right-handed 1,100m 19.2–24m 200 m
Right-handed 1,400m(inner)/1,600m(outer)
Homestretch 285.8m(inner)/385.8m(outer)
Width 25m

25 |

hen Western-style horse racing was first introduced to
1860s, most racehorses were domestic breeds, with
some imports from Shanghai and other parts of China.
During the 1870s, a few thoroughbreds were imported from
the United States for the first time for use as breeding stock.
The breeding industry in Japan began in earnest in 1907
when, with the assistance of the Mitsubishi Conglomerate, a
thoroughbred stallion and 20 broodmares were imported
from the United Kingdom to stand at Koiwai Farm. With the
subsequent authorization of horse racing and the regulation
of racing programs and other racing related affairs, horse
racing in Japan started to take off, and the number of
domestically bred racehorses increased as the thoroughbred
breeding industry developed. Although the breeding industry
suffered a near fatal blow during the closing days of World
War II, horse racing along with society started on the long
road to recovery after the war. As racing activities surpassed
their pre-war prosperity, the number of foals bred increased
to over 10,000, an unequaled number in the history of horse
racing in Japan.
Since 1995, however, the industry has been in a gradual
decline. In 1997, the number of thoroughbred foals fell to
around 8,000, and its number in 2019 was 7,387.
Bloodstock Sales in Japan are conducted by the Japan
Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association (JBBA) in cooperation
with various local breeders’ associations, and by the Japan
Racing Horse Association (JRHA) who conducts the famous
public auction, “JRHA Select Sale.”
Although the number of thoroughbreds has decreased, the
breeding standards - as well as their expectations for the
foals - have been getting higher every year.
The establishment of the Japan Cup in 1981 resulted in the
breeding industry setting a goal for producing faster and
stronger horses that could hold their own worldwide. One of
26 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
the goals of the Japan Cup was to bring forth steady
improvement of the domestic-bred horses through the
introduction of superior stallions and broodmares from
overseas. This program has borne fruit to a point where the
winners of GI races in some of the world’s leading racing
nations have been produced in Japan. As a result Japanese-
bred horses are increasingly drawing attention on the global
racing stage.
Breeding Regions and Number of Farms
reeding regions are located from the island of Hokkaido
up north to the island of Kyushu in the south. Traditional
breeding areas include Tokachi, Hidaka and Iburi in
Hokkaido and Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, Tochigi,
Chiba, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures throughout the
rest of Japan.
As of 2019, there were 817 farms with thoroughbred
broodmares stabled. The Hidaka area of Hokkaido is home
to the most at 694. If the Tokachi and Iburi areas are
included, Hokkaido’s total comes to 747, which accounts for
91% of the nationwide total.
Breeding is expanding in Hokkaido, which has a cool, dry
climate and plenty of space, while the industry has been
shrinking in areas near tracks and in warm, humid Kyushu.
The emphasis in these areas has turned to training.
Stallions
uring 2019, there were 241 thoroughbred stallions
registered at stud in Japan. 60 of these were foreign-bred
and 181 Japanese-bred. Approximately 94% of these
stallions are standing in the main Hokkaido breeding region.
The great racehorse and stallion Sunday Silence (USA),
who died in August 2002, was Japan’s leading sire for 13
consecutive years from 1995 to 2007. His influence as a
stallion has been passed on to his foals, and Deep Impact
(JPN) by Sunday Silence has been the leading sire in Japan
each year since 2012. Of domestic stallions, those sired by
Deep Impact is the largest number with 23 stallions and
covered 1,690 mares in 2019. 13 of those sired by Sunday
Silence were used for covering 542 mares in 2019, and this
number increases to 70 (and 3,931 mares) when including
stallions with a Sunday Silence bloodline in the second-
generation pedigree, which accounts for 29.7 % of all mares
covered in 2019.
The other prominent sire line is Kingmambo (USA) and 16
of those sired by King Kamehameha (JPN) by Kingmambo
covered 1,558 mares in 2019 and this increases to 21 (and
1,786 mares) including stallions with a Kingmambo
bloodline in the second-generation pedigree.
The top five sires, in terms of the number of mares covered,
in 2019 were Lord Kanaloa (JPN) with 245, Rulership (JPN)
225, Epiphaneia(JPN) 224, Harbinger (GB) 217, Just a Way
(JPN) 214. Lord Kanaloa and Rulership are sired by King
Kamehameha.
In 2019, Japanese breeding industry was struck by the
double tragedy to lose its two champion stallions, Deep
Impact and King Kamehameha. Though their influence will
surely be around for some time, much attention is paid to
who will be the next stallions to lead the industry.
Broodmares
Deep Impact ©J.Fukuda
King Kamehameha ©M.Ueda
f we look at the number of broodmares in Japan, the
figures reached a peak of about 15,287 in 1991. These
figures fell to 12,000 and remained around that level until
2003. The numbers began to gradually decrease from that
point up until 2014, when the actual number of broodmares
reached 9,253, and slightly increased since then to 9,999 in
2019.
Foals
apan bred fewer than 1,000 thoroughbreds a year through
the 1940s and 50s. However, as the economy grew rapidly
and horse racing developed, the number rose steadily to
reach 10,188 foals during 1992.
An annual level in the upper 8,000s for foal crop had been
maintained since 1997, but a declining trend began in 2003
and, 7,387 thoroughbred foals were registered in 2019. This
is approximately the same number of foals as that of the late
1970s. This is a result of shifting from quantity to quality, as
well as the steep decline in the demand for thoroughbreds
caused by the closure of a number of Racing by Local
Governments racecourses.
Harbinger ©M.Ueda
Lord Kanaloa ©M.Ueda
27 |
 apan has many festivals that feature horses. Horse racing
organizations carefully preserve these forms of culture
related to horses and undertake assistance in various forms to
ensure that this heritage continues. A few examples follow
below.
Yabusame Shinto Ceremony
(Japanese Archery on Horseback)
his Shinto ceremony is very gallant with a tradition of
over 800 years. Wearing samurai hunting uniforms of the
Kamakura era, archers mount horses and, galloping swiftly
on horseback, release arrows from their bows to hit three
targets in a row. When this is achieved, they receive loud
applause from the many attending fans.
Yabusame is well known in
foreign countries, as many
foreign tourists can be seen
among the audience. This
Shinto ceremony is held
twice a year on the spring equinox and autumn equinox to
appease the spirits of their ancestors.
Soma Nomaoi
(Soma Wild-Horse Roundup)
ating back over a millennium, the Soma wild horse
roundup originated as a form of military training in which
horses were used as a new military force. They were released
in a pasture and were
rounded-up by soldiers. The
horses were then presented
at a shrine as part of the
festival rites. Succeeding ©HADA
generations of Soma clan
leaders continued this rite dating from 1323 to the Meiji
Restoration.
Held every July, the Soma Nomaoi festival was designated
an important national intangible folk culture treasure in 1978.
Dakyu (Horseback Lacrosse)
egun by the Mizuno lords of the ancient Yamagata fief,
this richly traditional horseback lacrosse is part of the
Horetsu Shrine’s annual festival events in Yamagata
Prefecture.
28 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
Groups of five or six riders are divided into red and white
teams and try to put balls called
“agedama,” which are marked
with the Chinese character for
ten, into the goal. This is a two-
team, horseback contest in
which the red team attempts to
scoop up red balls using nets mounted on poles and put them
through the goal’s round opening while the white team does
the same with white balls. A bell is rung to announce goals
made by the white team. Inversely, a drum is beat when goals
are made by the red team. The Imperial Household Agency,
Yamagata Prefecture’s Horetsu Shrine, and Hachinohe,
Aomori Prefecture, still carry on this tradition today.
Horohiki
t is said that Heian-era warriors used pennants on the
battlefield as protection against arrows. The Imperial
Household Agency’s equestrian division carries on this
traditional cultural event.
Horohiki is performed by two riders mounted on Yamato
era saddles, each with a 10-meter-long pennant secured to
his/her back.
The horses’ gait quickens
from a walk to a trot and
then to a gallop. Their legs
move in unison (i.e., the
same legs moving at the
same time). The two riders release the long pennants a little,
until they are fully deployed. A green and white pennant
symbolizes the spring season, while a red and white pennant
symbolizes the fall.
Thoroughbred life after retirement
n 1973, the Japan Bloodhorse Breeders’ Association
(JBBA) established a welfare program that enables
champion horses to live out the final years of their lives in
ease after completing stud/broodmare service following the
completion of an active career. The Bloodhorse Training
Center also started a subsidy program from 1996 to place
famous retired horses at privately owned farms for public
viewing and Japan Association for International Racing and
Stud Book (JAIRS) took over the duty from 2013.
 Asian Racing Conference
apan’s advocacy led to the inauguration of the Asian
Racing Conference (ARC), whose objectives are the
promotion of horse racing, goodwill and mutual
understanding among Asian nations based on exchanges
among members.
The first conference took place in Japan in May 1960, and
the 8th, the 18th and the 32nd conferences were also held in
Tokyo in 1969, 1985 and 2008 respectively.
There are now 21 full member countries, one associate
member country and five affiliate member countries
belonging to the primary racing association in Asia.
At the 28th conference in Bangkok in 2001, it was decided
to change the name of the Asian Racing Conference to the
Asian Racing Federation (abbreviated as ARF) with ARC
designating the conferences only.
Dr. Koji Sato, JRA Presidential Counselor for Foreign
Affairs of that time, became the first Japanese to be elected
as the Chairman of ARF in 2009. In 2014, Mr. Winfried
Engelbrecht-Bresges, Hong Kong Jockey Club CEO was
elected as the Chairman to replace Dr. Sato, with Australiana
and Japan as the co-vice chairman. Hong Kong is also
concurrently undertaking the responsibilities of secretariat.
The Executive Council consists of nominees from Japan,
Hong Kong, Australia, India and New Zealand, Singapore,
South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The Executive
Council meets approximately four times a year.
The 38th ARC was held in February 2020 in Cape Town,
South Africa and the 39th ARC is scheduled to be held in
February 2022 in Melbourne, Australia.
Asian & Oceanian
Stud Book Committee (AOSBC)
n 1993, Japan proposed to India the establishment of the
Asian Stud Book Conference (ASBC), the current Asian
& Oceanian Stud Book Committee (AOSBC). The first
conference was then held jointly by Japan and India on the
day preceding the 1995 Asian Racing Conference (ARC),
which was held in India. The following guidelines were
established under a new system and co-chaired by India and
Japan.
・ Subsequent conferences will be held on the day
immediately before any ARC.
・Japan assumes the responsibilities of the secretariat.
・India and Japan are co-chairmen of the committee.
Only the Indian and Japanese stud books were
internationally approved by the International Stud Book
Committee (ISBC) from among the participating countries at
the time of the first meeting in 1995. Today, there are 15
Asian and Oceanian countries with stud books that have
been approved by ISBC.
The 15th AOSBC was held in February 2020 in Cape Town,
South Africa, and the 16th AOSBC is scheduled in February
2020 in Melbourne, Australia.
29 |
 International Conference of Racing
Analysts and Veterinarians (ICRAV)
he Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians
(ICRAV) is an advisory organization that confers on
issues of racehorse dope testing and veterinary treatment.
They also propose technical measures to the International
Federation of Horse racing Authorities (IFHA).
ICRAV is made up of a panel of experts that makes
proposals on issues related to horse racing, from such fields
as body analysis, veterinary treatment and other measures, to
the Advisory Council on Prohibited Substances, a sub-
organization of the IFHA executive committee.
To date, ICRAV has discussed definitions of prohibited
substances, the establishment of thresholds for prohibited
substances, doping tests for jockeys and other related matters
and submitted recommendations to IFHA on these topics.
The 16th meeting was held in Tokyo in 2006 and the 22nd
meeting was held in March 2018 in UAE. The next ICRAV
meeting is scheduled to be held in October 2020 in Hong
Kong.
30 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
International Thoroughbred
Breeders’ Federation (ITBF)
he ITBF, formerly known as “International Breeders’
Meeting (IBM)”, is the only international conference in
which the world's leading thoroughbred breeding nations
participate. It is held once every one or two years. The
meeting provides a common venue for the exchange of
views between the breeding industries of the world and for
discussions covering the various aspects of thoroughbred
breeding and distribution.
The ITBF has its historical origins in bilateral meetings that
were held periodically between Irish and British breeders'
associations in the 1950s and 1960s. France joined in 1968
and the U.S. in 1978. The organization now comprises 16
full-member nations, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, Chile, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan,
New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the U.K. and the
U.S. The meeting in 2006 was held in Tokyo, with the most
recent conference in Lexington, Kentucky in the U.S. in
October 2018. The next ITBF meeting is scheduled to be
held in June 2021 in Paris, France.
International Federation of
Horse racing Authorities (IFHA)
apan has attended meetings of the International Federation of
Horse racing Authorities’ global racing conference annually
since 1973. This international conference is held once a year
in Paris in conjunction with the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Japan has since been named to the executive council of the
federation’s leadership committee, as a member representing
Asia. As the standard of horse racing in Japan has risen, the
country’s responsibilities in the worldwide racing society
have become heavier.
 References
1862 Foreign residents of Yokohama hold the first Western-
style horse races in Japan.
1882 First Western-style races are held by Japanese organizers.
1888 Horse race betting tickets are sold for the first time.
1895 14 horses are imported from Australia.
1905 Implicit government approval is given for horse racing
and betting to encourage horse breeding.
1906 The Tokyo Racing Society Inc. holds the first modern
race meeting at Ikegami Racecourse. Corruption flourishes as a
result of the unchecked proliferation of similar organizations
and racecourses.
1908 The sale of betting tickets for horse races is prohibited
by the enactment of a new penal code that institutes sweeping
bans on various forms of gambling. However, in a move to
ensure the viability of horse racing and to improve breeding
stocks, the government introduces a series of subsidies for
racing.
1910 Local horse and cattle breeding associations (later
stockbreeders’ associations) gain permission to conduct regional
racing under a revamped regulatory system. Betting, however,
remains prohibited.
1923 The Horse Racing Law is enacted, giving rise to the
establishment of 11 horse racing clubs that are permitted to
organize races and sell betting tickets. Regional racing, however,
does not come under the jurisdiction of the Horse Racing Law.
1927 Regional racing regulations are enacted, under which
stockbreeders’ associations and national federations are
permitted to hold horse races, sell admission tickets with a
bonus betting ticket and award prizes, rather than cash, to the
winning ticket holders.
1932 The first Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby) is held.
1936 The Japan Racing Society, a semi-governmental public
enterprise, is established under amendments to the Horse Racing
Law. Racing begins to flourish under government supervision.
1939 The Law to Conserve Military Equine Resources is
enacted. Racing of military parade horses is permitted, as is the
sale of winning horse tickets, the equivalent of pari-mutuel
tickets.
1941 St. Lite becomes the first Triple Crown winner.
1943 Horse racing is suspended due to intensifying hostilities
in World War II.
1945 World War II ends.
1946 Horseracing in Tokyo and Kyoto is re-started. The
regional Horse Racing Law is enacted. The organization of
races is restricted to the Federation of Horse Associations and its
national body, the Japan Equine Society, which is disbanded
soon afterwards.
1948 The Japan Racing Society is dissolved, and a new Horse
Racing Law is enacted. The government takes over the assets of
the former Japan Racing Society and administers horse racing
under a national structure. However, Local government bodies,
such as prefectures and designated municipalities, are permitted
to organize local racing.
1954 JRA is organized to operate National Racing by the
enactment of the Japan Racing Association Law.
1958 Hakuchikara races in the U.S.A., becoming the first
Japanese horse to compete abroad.
1959 Hakuchikara wins the Washington Birthday Handicap
Stakes.
1960 The first Asian Racing Conference is held in Tokyo.
1962 The NAR is established to implement a nationally
coordinated framework for registration and licensing for Racing
by Local Governments.
1971 Import restrictions on racehorses are eased.
1973 The first JRA representative attends the International
Conference of Racing Authorities in Paris.
1974 JRA joins the International Agreement on Breeding and
Racing.
1976 Telephone betting is introduced.
1979 Japan becomes Asia’s representative member on the first
International Stud Book Committee.
1981 The first Japan Cup is held.
1987 The World Super Jockeys Series is launched.
1992 The first Young Jockeys World Championship is held.
JRA opens its first overseas representative office in London.
1994 Lisa Cropp of New Zealand becomes the first overseas
jockey to receive a short-term riding license in Japan.
1995 The first Asian Stud Book Conference, organized by
India and Japan, is held in Hyderabad, India; Japan is selected as
the permanent secretariat country.
1996 JRA’s first female jockeys begin their riding careers.
1997 The number of JRA Personal Access Terminal (PAT)
subscribers surpasses 500,000.
A joint JRA/local graded dirt race system is introduced.
1998 Japanese horses win G1 races in France; Seeking the
31 |
 References
Pearl claims the Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1), and Taiki Shuttle
triumphs in the Prix Jacques le Marois (G1).
1999 El Condor Pasa wins the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
(G1) and Agnes World wins the Prix de l’Abbaye de
Longchamp (G1).
2000 Agnes World becomes the first Japan-trained horse to
win a UK G1 race, the Darley July Cup.
T. M. Opera O maintains an undefeated record during the year
with five G1 wins.
2001 Two foreign-bred horses run in the Japanese Derby for
the first time.
Stay Gold, Eishin Preston and Agnes Digital have respective G1
victories in the Hong Kong Vase, Hong Kong Mile and Hong
Kong Cup.
2002 Eishin Preston wins HK’s Audemars Piguet Queen
Elizabeth II Cup (G1).
Sire Sunday Silence (16) dies of debilitation leading to heart
failure at Shadai Stallion Station.
New Zealand jockey Rochelle Lockett wins the Nakayama
Daishogai, the first JRA graded race victory in Japan by a
woman.
2003 Eishin Preston wins HK’s QE II Cup for the second
consecutive year.
Teamed with Zenno Rob Roy, French jockey Olivier Peslier
becomes the first foreign jockey to win three G1 races in a row
(the Tenno Sho, Japan Cup and Arima Kinen).
Still in Love achieves the second Filly Triple Crown for the first
time in 17 years.
2004 JRA introduces trifecta as a new type of betting ticket.
2005 Cesario captures the American Oaks (G1) and becomes
the first horse to win both the American and Japanese Oaks.
Deep Impact becomes the sixth colt in history to win the Triple
Crown.
Their Imperial Highnesses, The Emperor and Empress visit
Tokyo Racecourse.
2006 Heart’s Cry wins the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1).
Cosmo Bulk wins the Singapore Airlines International Cup (G1),
the first overseas win for a NAR registered racehorse.
Japan-trained Delta Blues and Pop Rock finish one-two in the
Melbourne Cup (G1).
The International Cataloguing Standards Committee promotes
Japan to a Part 1 nation in 2007.
2007 Admire Moon wins the Dubai Duty Free (G1).
Shadow Gate and Cosmo Bulk finish one-two in the SAIC.
2008 The 32nd ARC is held in Tokyo.
2009 Dr. Koji Sato, JRA Presidential Counselor for Foreign
Affairs, becomes the Chairman of the Asian Racing Federation
(ARF).
2010 Apapane becomes the third filly in history to capture the
Filly’s Triple Crown.
2011 Victoire Pisa wins the Dubai World Cup (G1).
32 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020
Orfevre becomes the seventh colt in history to capture the Triple
Crown.
2012 Gentildonna becomes the fourth filly in history to
capture Filly Triple Crown.
Rulership wins the HK’s QEII Cup. Lord Kanaloa wins the
Hong Kong Sprint (G1).
2013 Lord Kanaloa wins the HK Sprint for the second
consecutive year.
2014 Just A Way and Gentildonna win the Dubai Duty Free
and Dubai Sheema Classic, respectively. Just A Way, which
wins the Duty Free by 6 1/4 lengths, becomes the first ever
Japan-based horse to claim the sole No. 1 position in the
Longine's World's Best Racehorse Rankings.
Hana's Goal wins All Aged Stakes (G1). Admire Rakti score a
win in the Caulfield Cup (G1).
2015 Two world-class riders, Italian Mirco Demuro and
Frenchman Christophe Lemaire are granted full-term jockey
licenses by JRA.
Real Impact wins the George Ryder Stakes (G1).
Esmeraldina wins Korea's Ttukseom Cup and becomes the first
JRA-trained horse to win a race in Korea.
Maurice and A Shin Hikari capture the HK Mile and Cup
respectively.
2016 JRA commences its first simulcasting for overseas races.
Real Steel wins the Dubai Turf (G1).
Japanese horses win top races in France; A Shin Hikari claims
the Prix d'Ispahan (G1), and Makahiki triumphs in the Prix Niel
(G2).
Maurice wins the HK Champions Mile (G1) in April and the
HK Cup in December. Satono Crown also wins HK Vase.
2017 Vivlos wins the Dubai Turf.
Neorealism wins the HK’s QEII Cup.
JRA Jockey Yutaka Take receives the 2017 Longines and IFHA
International Award of Merit for the first time as a Japanese.
Kitasan Black retires with a record-tying seventh G1 win in the
Arima Kinen and his total winnings reaches over ¥1.8 billion, a
record high in JRA history.
2018 Almond Eye becomes the fifth filly in history to capture
Filly Triple Crown and wins the Japan Cup in record time.
JRA Jockey Yutaka Take celebrates his 4,000th career win on
JRA horse.
NAR Jockey Fumio Matoba breaks the NAR record for career
wins when claiming 7,152nd victory.
2019 Jockey Christophe Lemaire becomes the JRA's leading
jockey for the third consecutive year.
Seven Japanese horses triumph in eight G1 races abroad
including Almond Eye’s win in the Dubai Turf (G1) and
Deirdre’s win in Nassau Stakes (G1).
Japan’s two champion sires, Deep Impact (17) and King
Kamehameha (18) die at Shadai Stallion Station and Japan Cup
is named as the Deep Impact Memorial in honor of late
champion.
JRA’s only female jockey Nanako Fujita wins Women Jockeys'
World Cup at Bro Park in Stockholm, Sweden.
 References

JRA Racing Breeder

JRA Sale/Purchase
of racehorses
・Horse racing operation Registration
・Pari-mutuel betting Owners
system operation
Supervision/ ・Management of Training contracts
Guidance
racecourses and other Licensing
Trainers
facilities
Employment
Riding contracts
Licensing
Jockeys

Employment

Approval Assistant
Trainers
Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fisheries
Approval
Grooms

Racing by Local Governments Breeder

Sale/Purchase
of racehorses

Registration Owners
NAR*
Supervision/
Guidance Training contracts
Licensing
Trainers

Employment
Local Government Riding contracts
Bodies Licensing
Specialist

Jockeys
Advisors

・Horse racing operation

・Pari-mutuel betting Employment
system operation
Licensing Assistant
・Management of Trainers
racecourses and other
facilities

Approval
Grooms
*The National Association of Racing

33 |
 References

Birth Sales

Breeding Stable

Racing
Retirement

34 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

Birth Racing Retirement

Number of Births 7,390 Horse Racing Community Figures Retired from Racing
Thoroughbred: 7,387 JRA (as of January 1, 2020)
Anglo-Arab: 3 Owners: 2,568 JRA
Breeders (as of December 31, 2019) [Private: 2,181] Breeding: 725
1,031 [Corporate: 330] [Stallions: 23] [Mares: 702]
Hokkaido: 835 (81%) [Syndicate: 57] To NAR: 3,356
Other regions: 196 (19%) Trainers: 197 Died: 151
Assistant trainers: 1,691 Riding horses: 961
Grooms: 654 Others: 129
Jockeys: 138 Total: 5,322
NAR
Owners: 4,686 NAR
Trainers: 448 Breeding: 663
Assistant trainers: 50 [Stallions: 33] [Mares: 630]

Sales
Form of Transaction
(estimates for thoroughbreds)
Private sales: 1,967
Not sold: 304
Sold in foal: 403
Public sales: 1,151
JRA-purchased horses: 65
Membership corporations: 830
Other: 808
Total: 5,528
Grooms: 2,104 To JRA: 405
Jockeys: 274 Died: 766
JRA Riding horses: 1,506
Registered horses (monthly average): 8,500 Cancellation of registration
Horses in stables (monthly average): 3,533 (due to not running a horse for a
Number of stalls: 3,904 designated period of time): 1,350
[Miho Training Center: 1,946] Others: 12
[Ritto Training Center: 1,958] Total: 4,702
Race days: 288
Number of races: 3,452
[2yo: 650]
[3yo and up: 2,675]
Breeding
[Jump: 127]
Actual number of runners: 11,546 Broodmares
Total number of runners: 47,345
(thoroughbred): 9,999
Average races run per horse: 4.1
Stallions

Stable
Average runners per race: 13.7 (thoroughbred): 241
NAR
[Domestic: 181]
Racehorse Registration Registered horses: 12,296
[Imported: 60]
JRA Thoroughbred: 11,444
Thoroughbred: 5,528 Ban-ei: 852
[385 from NAR] Race days: 1,280
NAR Number of races: 14,779
Thoroughbred: 4,980 Thoroughbred (flat race): 13,119
[3,252 from JRA] Ban-ei: 1,660
Actual number of runners: 14,080
Total number of runners: 148,065
Average races run per horse: 10.0
Average runners per race: 10.0

35 |
 References

TOKACHI

■ Sapporo ■ Obihiro
CLOSE-UP OF KANSAI REGION
IBURI Monbetsu
■
JRA Hidaka Training
and Research Center
■ Hakodate
HIDAKA

JRA Ritto
Training Center
■ Morioka
■ Mizusawa
Hanshin ■ ■ Kyoto
■ Sonoda

■ Niigata
■ Fukushima
NAR Jockey
Training Institute
■ Kanazawa
JRA Equine Research
Institute – Sports Science Research Center

■ Kasamatsu
■ Nagoya
Himeji ■ ■ Chukyo
CLOSE-UP OF KANTO REGION
■ Kokura
■ Kochi
Saga ■

JRA Miyazaki Yearling

Training Farm
JRA Miho
KAGOSHIMA Training Center
Nakayama
MIYAZAKI
JRA Equestrian Park JRA Horse Racing
■ School
Urawa ■

Tokyo ■ ■ Funabashi
Oi ■
JRA Main Office
Kawasaki ■ NAR Office

■ Major breeding region

■ JRA racecourses
■ Local government racecourses

36 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

RACES
Number of JRA Races
Unit: Races
Races
Year Racing days
Flat Jump Total
2010 288 3,320 134 3,454
2011 288 3,320 122 3,454
2012 288 3,321 133 3,454
2013 288 3,324 130 3,454
2014 288 3,326 125 3,451
2015 288 3,326 128 3,454
2016 288 3,326 128 3,454
2017 288 3,329 126 3,455
2018 288 3,328 126 3,454
2019 288 3,325 127 3,452

Number of NAR Races

Unit: Races
Races
Year Racing days
Thoroughbred Anglo-Arab Ban-ei Total
2010 1,466 14,243 0 1,812 16,055
2011 1,398 14,156 0 1,798 16,047
2012 1,374 13,396 0 1,842 15,238
2013 1,300 12,668 0 1,685 14,353
2014 1,287 12,486 0 1,685 14,171
2015 1,287 12,723 0 1,672 14,395
2016 1,286 12,892 0 1,639 14,531
2017 1,297 13,078 0 1,672 14,750
2018 1,277 13,044 0 1,633 14,677
2019 1,280 13,119 0 1,660 14,779

37 |
 References

JRA Racing: Actual and Overall Runners

Unit: Races
Thoroughbred Flat Thoroughbred Jump
Year
Actual Overall Actual Overall
2010 10,821 48,141 586(315) 1,754
2011 10,823 47,389 562(302) 1,578
2012 10,837 48,097 552 (307) 1,682
2013 10,834 48,293 533 (292) 1,608
2014 10,803 48,560 507 (292) 1,584
2015 10,891 48,240 509 (274) 1,582
2016 10,939 48,331 505 (269) 1,579
2017 11,031 47,585 497 (263) 1,563
2018 11,167 46,869 502(282) 1,564
2019 11,292 45,777 504(250) 1,568
Note: Runners reflected in parenthesis in the figures for jump races are for runners that have also run in flat races.

NAR Racing: Actual and Overall Runners

Unit: Races
Thoroughbred Anglo-Arab Ban-ei
Year
Actual Overall Actual Overall Actual Overall
2010 13,157 138,294 45 706 774 17,210
2011 12,949 132,613 18 264 734 17,071
2012 12,670 133,345 6 78 778 16,362
2013 12,452 129,193 1 5 783 14,560
2014 12,022 125,595 0 0 688 14,587
2015 11,761 125,231 0 0 671 14,648
2016 11,731 126,817 0 0 701 14,099
2017 12,011 128,706 0 0 684 14,610
2018 12,693 129,730 0 0 740 14,566
2019 13,303 133,058 0 0 777 15,007

38 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

JRA Racing: Statistics of Foreign-Bred Thoroughbreds

Number of JRA Registered thoroughbreds Number of thoroughbred Races

Year
Total Foreign bred % Total Mixed Races %
2010 7,989 336 4.21% 3,454(133) 1,980(133) 57.3(100.0)%
2011 7,933 282 3.55% 3,453(134) 1,980(134) 57.3(100.0)%
2012 7,925 299 3.77% 3,454(134) 1,980(134) 57.3(100.0)%
2013 7,869 252 3.20% 3,454(134) 1,980(134) 57.3(100.0)%
2014 7,765 248 3.19% 3,451(136) 1,977(136) 57.3(100.0)%
2015 7,789 274 3.52% 3,454(136) 1,980(136) 57.3(100.0)%
2016 8,262 267 3.23% 3,454(138) 1,980(138) 57.3(100.0)%
2017 8,428 237 2.81% 3,455(138) 1,980(138) 57.3(100.0)%
2018 8,597 253 2.94% 3,454(141) 1,980(141) 57.3(100.0%)
2019 8,803 309 3.51% 3,452(139) 1,999(139) 57.9(100.0%)
Note: 1. Mixed races are open to foreign thoroughbreds that have not been raced abroad.
2. Numbers in parentheses refer to the number of graded races.

JRA Racing : Prize Money per Race and Runner in 2019

2 y.o. Flat 3 y.o. and up Flat Jump Total

Number of Races A 650 2,675 127 3,452
Number of actual runners B 3,319 7,973 504 (250) 11,546
Number of overall runners C 8,538 37,239 1,568 47,345
Added money (¥) 8,699,250,000 58,885,840,000 2,901,520,000 70,486,610,000
Total prize money (¥) D 15,223,092,000 86,540,237,500 3,878,184,500 105,641,514,000
Prize money per race (¥) D/A 23,420,142 32,351,491 30,536,886 30,602,988
Prize money per runner (¥) D/B 4,586,650 10,854,162 7,694,811 9,149,620
Prize money per runner (¥) D/C 1,782,981 2,323,914 2,473,332 2,231,313
Notes: 1. "y.o." stands for "year-old"
2. Total prize money includes added and stakes money, and additional allowances.
3. Runners reflected in parenthesis in the figures for jump races are for runners that have also run in flat races.

JRA and NAR Prize Money

Unit: ¥ million
JRA NAR
Year "Thoroughbred
Thoroughbred Anglo-Arab Ban-ei Total
Added Money"
2010 68,095.1 15,979.1 0 282.0 16,261.1
2011 67,265.7 14,220.7 0 236.1 14.456.8
2012 64,925.4 14,617.5 0 208.3 14,825.9
2013 65,478.7 14,453.3 0 182.1 14,635.4
2014 66,460.0 14,435.9 0 182.4 14,618.4
2015 67,685.4 14,706.0 0 231.0 14,937.1
2016 68,812.8 16,056.2 0 285.6 16,341.9
2017 69,652.1 18,218.9 0 321.2 18,540.1
2018 70,242.8 19,119.4 0 382.8 19,502.1
2019 70,486.6 20,894.8 0 446.6 21,341.4

39 |
 References

BETTING
JRA Racing : Total Betting Turnover and Attendance
Unit: ¥ million
"off-course
"Racecourse
Year Total on-course betting betting(including Ratio (on:off)
Attendance"
telephonebetting)"
2010 2,427,565.59 109,174.20 2,318,391.30 4:96 6,739,580
2011 2,293,578.05 96,566.30 2,197,011.70 4:96 6,151,105
2012 2,394,308.85 96,592.14 2,297,716.70 4:96 6,190,296
2013 2,404,933.51 94,373.23 2,310,560.27 3.9:96.1 6,092,403
2014 2,493,627.72 92,261.53 2,401,366.19 3.7:96.3 6,142,471
2015 2,583,391.86 91,162.17 2,492,229.69 3.5:96.5 6,317,073
2016 2,670,880.26 88,000.85 2,582,879.40 3.3:96.7 6,300,662
2017 2,747,662.48 85,513.65 2,662,148.82 3.1:96.9 6,175,238
2018 2,795,008.30 83,991.38 2,711,016.92 3:97 6,266,912
2019 2,881,788.66 81,159.37 2,800,629.29 2.8:97.2 6,236,197
(¥billions) (millions)

NAR Total Betting Turnover and Attendance

(¥billions) (millions)

Racing days, Turnover and Attendance by Types of Racing 2019

Type of racing Racing days Turnover Share (%) Attendance

JRA 288 2,881,788,661,700 49.4% 6,236,197
NAR 1,280 674,269,715,480 11.5% 3,200,899
Bicycle Racing 2,281 673,433,607,200 11.5% 2,401,533
Motorcycle Racing 482 75,181,035,900 1.3% 1,336,567
Motorboat Racing 4,550 1,534,210,923,600 26.3% 7,539,930
Grand Total 8,881 5,838,883,943,880 100.00% 20,715,126
Notes: 1. Total comprises the period from January 1 to December 31 for all types of racing.
2. Attendance figures for motorboat racing includes patrons utilizing off-course and telephone betting facilities.

40 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

Numbers of Thoroughbred Stallions, Mares Covered and Foals

Unit: Head
Year Stallions Thoroughbred mares covered Thoroughbred Foals
2010 256 9,754 7,120
2011 243 9,379 7,076
2012 230 9,334 6,828
2013 223 9,301 6,836
2014 223 9,253 6,888
2015 218 9,371 6,846
2016 227 9,483 6,902
2017 242 9,633 7,080
2018 230 9,870 7,244
2019 241 9,999 7,387

Imports of Foreign-Bred Thoroughbred

Unit: Head
Broodmares Broodmares Broodmares Racehorses
Year Total Stallions C and H F and M
Total Pregnant Not Pregnant Total
2010 248 6 112 71 41 130 81 49
2011 237 2 81 38 43 154 93 61
2012 212 5 76 39 37 131 84 47
2013 206 5 95 40 55 106 70 36
2014 243 4 111 89 22 128 79 49
2015 239 3 102 34 68 134 78 56
2016 247 2 98 35 63 147 79 68
2017 237 1 106 49 57 130 80 50
2018 303 3 111 51 60 189 126 63
2019 304 8 123 72 51 173 109 64

41 |
 References

Imported Thoroughbred Stallions by Number and Origin

Unit: Head
Year Total Great Britain Ireland France United States Other
2010 6 - 1 - 3 2
2011 2 1 - - 1 -
2012 5 - 1 1 3 -
2013 5 - 2 - 3 -
2014 4 1 - - 3 -
2015 3 - 1 - 2 -
2016 2 - - - 2 -
2017 1 1 - - - -
2018 3 - - - 3 -
2019 8 1 - - 6 1

Thoroughbred Yearling Sales

Unit: ¥ thousand
Year Lots Number of sold Total amount Highest Lowest Average
2010 2,568 1,234 8,027,229 69,300 210 6,505
2011 2,685 1,352 9,912,693 378,000 315 7,332
2012 2,537 1,363 10,843,528 262,500 315 7,331
2013 2,370 1,401 11,951,940 189,000 315 8,531
2014 2,395 1,526 12,743,503 280,800 216 8,350
2015 2,439 1,660 15,110,182 253,800 216 9,102
2016 2,472 1,706 17,065,404 280,800 324 10,003
2017 2,407 1,896 19,778,904 291,600 216 10,431
2018 2,588 1,897 20,609,640 270,000 432 10,864
2019 2,648 1,990 22,368,026 388,800 324 11,240

(¥thousand)

42 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

Leading Sires by Money Earned (2019)

Year of
Sire Dam Runners Winners Wins Earnings(￥)
birth
1 Deep Impact (JPN) 2002 Sunday Silence Wind In Her Hair 518 244 348 7,773,484,000
2 Heart's Cry (JPN) 2001 Sunday Silence Irish Dance 455 215 361 4,181,089,000
3 Lord Kanaloa (JPN) 2008 King Kamehameha Lady Blossom 392 200 345 3,483,098,500
4 Stay Gold (JPN) 1994 Sunday Silence Golden Sash 249 114 212 2,840,188,500
5 King Kamehameha (JPN) 2001 Kingmambo Manfath 355 148 248 2,685,301,500
6 Rulership (JPN) 2007 King Kamehameha Air Groove 359 140 231 2,520,191,500
7 Daiwa Major (JPN) 2001 Sunday Silence Scarlet Bouquet 366 147 259 2,476,601,000
8 Gold Allure (JPN) 1999 Sunday Silence Nikiya 397 189 327 2,289,160,000
9 South Vigorous (USA) 1996 End Sweep Darkest Star 439 263 493 1,795,109,500
10 Kinshasa no Kiseki (AUS) 2003 Fuji Kiseki Keltshaan 356 155 268 1,779,059,500
11 Orfevre(JPN) 2008 Stay Gold Oriental Art 342 151 258 1,760,169,000
12 Harbinger (GB) 2006 Dansili Penang Pearl 312 104 157 1,752,758,000
13 Kurofune (USA) 1998 French Deputy Blue Avenue 376 158 250 1,537,885,500
14 Henny Hughes (USA) 2003 Hennessy Meadow Flyer 275 135 247 1,502,714,000
15 Victoire Pisa (JPN) 2007 Neo Universe Whitewater Affair 286 109 186 1,298,843,500
16 Pyro (USA) 2005 Pulpit Wild Vision 321 158 283 1,275,539,500
17 Manhattan Cafe (JPN) 1998 Sunday Silence Subtle Change 187 71 116 1,223,694,000
18 Just a Way (JPN) 2009 Heart's Cry Sibyl 188 77 115 1,159,188,000
19 Empire Maker (USA) 2000 Unbridled Toussaud 225 116 231 1,107,409,500
20 Sinister Minister (USA) 2003 Old Trieste Sweet Minister 228 117 243 1,034,848,000

Leading Sires of 2-y-os (Leading Juvenile Sires by Money Earned in 2019)

Year of
Stallion Sire Dam Runners Winners Wins Earning(￥)
birth
1 Deep Impact (JPN) 2002 Sunday Silence Wind In Her Hair 99 46 52 703,360,000
2 Kizuna (JPN) 2010 Deep Impact Catequil 127 27 34 491,538,000
3 Heart's Cry (JPN) 2001 Sunday Silence Irish Dance 60 14 22 473,065,000
4 Daiwa Major (JPN) 2001 Sunday Silence Scarlet Bouquet 71 20 25 396,901,000
5 Epiphaneia (JPN) 2010 Symboli Kris S Cesario 105 34 37 344,649,000
6 Henny Hughes (USA) 2003 Hennessy Meadow Flyer 87 28 41 314,033,000
7 Lord Kanaloa (JPN) 2008 King Kamehameha Lady Blossom 96 22 26 305,165,000
8 Kinshasa no Kiseki (AUS) 2003 Fuji Kiseki Keltshaan 74 24 25 256,526,000
9 Pyro (USA) 2005 Pulpit Wild Vision 87 34 48 250,736,000
10 South Vigorous (USA) 1996 End Sweep Darkest Star 75 41 59 240,469,000

Leading Broodmare Sires by Money Earned in 2019

Year of
Stallion Sire Dam Runners Winners Wins Earnings(¥)
birth
1 Sunday Silence (USA) 1986 Halo Wishing Well 963 417 713 4,279,663,500
2 King Kamehameha (JPN) 2001 Kingmambo Manfath 534 223 407 2,838,616,000
3 Kurofune (USA) 1998 French Deputy Blue Avenue 552 235 418 2,557,483,500
4 Agnes Tachyon (JPN) 1998 Sunday Silence Agnes Flora 686 296 550 2,484,334,500
5 French Deputy (USA) 1992 Deputy Minister Mitterand 472 210 346 2,244,532,000
6 Special Week (JPN) 1995 Sunday Silence Campaign Girl 444 190 320 2,241,291,000
7 Fuji Kiseki (JPN) 1992 Sunday Silence Millracer 604 269 502 2,132,847,500
8 Dance in the Dark (JPN) 1993 Sunday Silence Dancing Key 522 236 404 2,046,681,500
9 Symboli Kris S (USA) 1999 Kris S. Tee Kay 414 189 324 1,916,113,000
10 Brian’s Time (USA) 1985 Roberto Kelley's Day 499 204 345 1,814,067,500

43 |
 References

Main Achievements of Japan Trained Horses Abroad (GI Races)

Date of Birth
Name (M/D/Y) Sire Dam Result
Seeking the Pearl(USA) 4/16/94 Seeking the Gold (USA) Page Proof (USA) Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1, France) Win
1998
Taiki Shuttle (USA) 3/23/94 Devil’s Bag (USA) Welsh Muffin (GB) Prix Jacques le Marois (G1, France) Win
Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1, France) Win
El Condor Pasa (USA) 3/17/95 Kingmambo (USA) Saddlers Gal (IRE) Prix d'Ispahan (G1, France) Second
1999 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1, France) Second
Agnes World (USA) 4/28/95 Danzig (USA) Mysteries (USA) Prix de l’Abbaye de Longchamp (G1, France) Win

2000 Agnes World (USA) 4/28/95 Danzig (USA) Mysteries (USA) July Cup (G1, GB) Win

To the Victory 2/22/96 Sunday Silence (USA) Fairy Doll (USA) Dubai World Cup (G1, UAE) Second

Stay Gold 3/24/94 Sunday Silence (USA) Golden Sash Hong Kong Vase (G1, HK) Win
2001
Eishin Preston (USA) 4/9/97 Green Dancer (USA) Warranty Applied (USA) Hong Kong Mile (G1, HK) Win

Agnes Digital (USA) 5/15/97 Crafty Prospector (USA) Chancey Squaw (USA) Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Win

Eishin Preston (USA) 4/9/97 Green Dancer (USA) Warranty Applied (USA) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Win
Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Second
2002 Agnes Digital (USA) 5/15/97 Crafty Prospector (USA) Chancey Squaw (USA) One-Two finish for Japan-trained horses

Air Thule 3/10/97 Tony Bin (IRE) Ski Paradise (USA) Prix Maurice de Gheest (G1, France) Second

Eishin Preston (USA) 4/9/97 Green Dancer (USA) Warranty Applied (USA) Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Win
2003
Lohengrin 6/8/99 Singspiel (IRE) Carling (FR) Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1, France) Second

2004 Dance in the Mood 4/10/01 Sunday Silence (USA) Dancing Key (USA) American Oaks (G1, USA) Second
Cesario 3/31/02 Special Week Kirov Premiere (GB) American Oaks (G1, USA) Win

Zenno Rob Roy 3/27/00 Sunday Silence (USA) Roamin Rachel (USA) International Stakes (G1, GB) Second
2005 Eye Popper 3/21/00 Soccer Boy Sunday I. Caulfield Cup (G1, Australia) Second

Six Sense 3/5/02 Sunday Silence (USA) Daneskaya (GB) Hong Kong Vase (G1, HK) Second

Hat Trick 4/26/01 Sunday Silence (USA) Tricky Code (USA) Hong Kong Mile (G1, HK) Win

Heart’s Cry 4/15/01 Sunday Silence (USA) Irish Dance Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, UAE) Win

Cosmo Bulk 2/10/01 Zagreb (USA) Iseno Tosho International Cup (G1, Singapore) Win
Asahi Rising 2/9/03 Royal Touch Asahi Mercury American Oaks (G1, USA) Second
2006
Delta Blues 5/3/01 Dance in the Dark Dixie Splash (USA) Melbourne Cup (G1, Australia) Win
Melbourne Cup (G1, Australia) Second
Pop Rock 3/19/01 Helissio (FR) Pops One-two finish for Japan-trained horses
Admire Moon 2/23/03 End Sweep (USA) My Katies Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Second

Admire Moon 2/23/03 End Sweep (USA) My Katies Dubai Duty Free (G1, UAE) Win

2007 Shadow Gate 3/23/02 White Muzzle (GB) Fabulous Turn International Cup (G1, Singapore) Win
International Cup (G1, Singapore) Second
Cosmo Bulk 2/10/01 Zagreb (USA) Iseno Tosho One-two finish for Japan-trained horses
Buena Vista 3/14/06 Special Week Biwa Heidi Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, UAE) Second
2010
Nakayama Festa 4/5/06 Stay Gold Dear Wink Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1, France) Second

Victoire Pisa 3/31/07 Neo Universe Whitewater Affair(GB) Dubai World Cup (G1, UAE) Win
2011 Dubai World Cup (G1, UAE) Second
Transcend 3/9/06 Wild Rush (USA) Cinema Scope One-two finish for Japan-trained horses
2012 Rulership 5/15/07 King Kamehameha Air Groove Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Win

44 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

Orfevre 5/14/08 Stay Gold Oriental Art Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1, France) Second

Lord Kanaloa 3/11/08 King Kamehameha Lady Blossom Hong Kong Sprint (G1, HK) Win

Jaguar Mail 5/8/04 Jungle Pocket Haya Beni Komachi Hong Kong Vase (GI1, HK) Second

Gentildonna 2/20/09 Deep Impact Donna Blini (GB) Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, UAE) Second

2013 Orfevre 5/14/08 Stay Gold Oriental Art Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1, France) Second
Hong Kong Sprint (G1, HK) Win
Lord Kanaloa 3/11/08 King Kamehameha Lady Blossom for the second consecutive time
Gentildonna 2/20/09 Deep Impact Donna Blini(GB) Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, UAE) Win

Just A Way 3/8/09 Heart’s Cry Sibyl Dubai Duty Free (G1, UAE) Win
2014
Hana's Goal 4/24/09 Orewa Matteruze Shanghai Jell All Aged Stakes (G1, Australia) Win

Admire Rakti 2/20/08 Heart’s Cry Admire Teresa Caulfield Cup (G1, Australia) Win

Tosen Stardom 3/14/11 Deep Impact Admire Kirameki Ranvet Stakes (G1, Australia) Second

George Ryder Stakes (G1, Australia) Win

Real Impact 5/14/08 Deep Impact Tokio Reality(USA) Doncaster Mile (G1, Australia) Second

To the World 4/12/11 King Kamehameha To the Victory BMW (G1, Australia) Second
2015 Staphanos 2/13/11 Deep Impact Kokoshnik Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Second

Maurice 3/2/11 Screen Hero Mejiro Frances Hong Kong Mile (G1, HK) Win

A Shin Hikari 5/3/11 Deep Impact Catalina(USA) Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Win
Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Second
Nuovo Record 2/25/11 Heart's Cry Omega Spirit One-two finish for Japan-trained horses
Real Steel 3/1/12 Deep Impact Loves Only Me(USA) Dubai Turf (G1, UAE) Win

Duramente 3/22/12 King Kamehameha Admire Groove Dubai Sheema Classic (G1, UAE) Second
Champions Mile (G1, HK) Win
2016 Maurice 3/2/11 Screen Hero Mejiro Frances Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Win
A Shin Hikari 5/3/11 Deep Impact Catalina(USA) Prix d'Ispahan (G1, France) Win

Satono Crown 3/10/12 Marju(IRE) Jioconda(IRE) Hong Kong Vase (G1, HK) Win

Vivlos 4/9/13 Deep Impact Halwa Sweet Dubai Turf (G1, UAE) Win
2017
Neorealism 3/22/11 Neo Universe Tokio Reality Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Win
Dubai Turf (G1, UAE) Second
Vivlos 4/9/13 Deep Impact Halwa Sweet Hong Kong Mile (G1, HK) Second
2018
Deirdre 4/4/14 Harbinger (GB) Reizend Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Second
Matera Sky 3/18/14 Speightstown (USA) Mostaqeleh (USA) Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1, UAE) Second

Almond Eye 3/10/15 Lord Kanaloa Fusaichi Pandra Dubai Turf (G1, UAE) Win
Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1, HK) Win
Win Bright 5/12/14 Stay Gold Summer Eternity Hong Kong Cup (G1, HK) Win

Deirdre 4/4/14 Harbinger (GB) Reizend Nassau Stakes (G1, GB) Win

2019 Mer de Glace 5/26/15 Rulership Glacier Blue Caulfield Cup (G1, Australia) Win

Lys Gracieux 1/18/14 Heart's Cry Liliside (FR) Cox Plate (G1, Australia) Win

Glory Vase 3/2/15 Deep Impact Mejiro Tsubone Hong Kong Vase (G1, HK) Win
Hong Kong Vase (G1, HK) Second
Lucky Lilac 4/3/15 Orfevre Lilacs and Lace (USA) One-two finish for Japan-trained horses
Admire Mars 3/16/16 Daiwa Major Via Medici (IRE) Hong Kong Mile (G1, HK) Win
All JRA flat graded races have been opened to foreign-trained horses since 2010.

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 References

On December 1, 2010, the “Japan Association for Activities:

International Horse racing (JAIR),” which promotes the
1. Registration
globalization of Japanese racing and mutual
JAIRS conducts “Foal Registration,” which is to verify
understanding with race organizations in other countries,
pedigree and identity, and “Breeding Registration,” which
and the “Japan Race Horse Registry (JRHR),” a central
is to ensure the breeding record of the horse to be used as
body for the registration of Japanese racehorses, merged
breeding stock. JAIRS examines all horses applied for
into a single body, the Japan Association for International
such registration and issues certificate when registration is
Racing and Stud Book (JAIRS). JAIRS now handles
completed.
activities as a channel for a broad range of fields
connected with racing industries all over the world.
2. Overseas Racing Bulletin
Mission: Periodical newsletter to provide Japanese racing
connections/fans with information on overseas horse
- Collection and dissemination of horse racing-related
racing.
information, both domestic and abroad.
- Exchange of information on techniques for the conduct
3. ARF Study Programs
of horse racing and the raising (training) of racehorse
Training programs for personnel from the Asian Racing
with persons connected with horse racing from abroad.
Federation to introduce Japan’s horse racing system and
- Conduct and support of international events relating to
provide opportunities to promote exchange of
horse racing and participation in international conferences.
information and international goodwill among member
- Registration of racehorses and the issuance of
countries. Courses are divided into regular and
registration certificates.
specialized study programs. Over 400 participants have
- Registration for the stud book and other books/records
attended this program to date.
relating to horse racing and breeding.

Website: 4. Publication of Stud Book

JAIRS publishes all breeding records in Japan, as well
http://japanracing.jp/ (most up-to-date news on Japanese
as import and export of horses, on the internet as Japanese
racing, full coverage of all JRA races and local principal
Stud Book Database.
races, provided in English, Chinese, Korean, French)
http://www.studbook.jp/ (Japanese Stud Book Database
5. Naming
in English, Japanese)
Upon receipt of application, JAIRS examines proposed
http://www.jairs.jp/ (Overseas horse racing information
names according to international and domestic rules and
and domestic registration information in Japanese)
determines the name of the horse.

Japan Association for International Racing and Stud Book (JAIRS)

6th Floor, JRA Shimbashi Bunkan Building,

4-5-4 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-0004, Japan
Tel: +81-3434-5002
Fax: +81-3432-4668
URL: http://japanracing.jp/ (English, Chinese, Korean, French)
http://www.studbook.jp/en/ (English)
http://www.jairs.jp/ (Japanese)

46 | HORSE RACING IN JAPAN 2020

 References

JAPAN RACING ASSOCIATION (JRA)

■ International Department
JRA Head Office, Roppongi Hills Gate Tower, 6-11-1, Roppongi,
Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8401, JAPAN
TEL: +81-3-5785-7373 / FAX: +81-3-5785-7376
Email: inter@jra.go.jp / URL: http://japanracing.jp/
http://jra.jp/ (Japanese)

■ JRA London Representative Office

4th Floor, 11 Argyll Street, London W1F 7TH, UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: +44-20-7437-5053 / FAX: +44-20-7734-1984
Email: jralon@jrauk.com

■ JRA Paris Representative Office

46 Place Abel Gance 92655 Boulogne Cedex, FRANCE
Tel: +33-1-4910-2261
Email: contact@jraparis.com

■ JRA New York Representative Office

300 Main Street, Suite 401, Stamford, CT 06901, U.S.A.
TEL: +1-203-973-0661 / FAX: +1-203-973-0665
Email: info@nyjra.com

■ JRA Hong Kong Representative Office

1705, Prosperity Millennia Plaza, 663 King's Road, North Point, Hong Kong
TEL: +852-2840-1566 / FAX: +852-2840-1397
Email: racing@jra.com.hk

■ JRA Sydney Representative Office

Suite 24, Level 26, 44 Market Street, Sydney NSW 2000 AUSTRALIA
TEL: +61-2-9089-8884 / FAX: +61-2-9089-8849
Email: sydneyoffice@jraaus.com

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF RACING (NAR)

2-2-1, Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-8639, JAPAN

Tel: +81-3-3583-6841 / Fax: +81-3-3585-0481
Email: intl@nar.keiba.go.jp / URL: https://www.goracing.jp/english/
http://www.keiba.go.jp/ (Japanese)

Please visit the following URL for other JRA institutions and related organizations:
http://japanracing.jp/en/about/jra_organization/

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